East Timor president tells supporters he will not resign
East Timor’s president backed off a threat to resign today, telling thousands of flag-waving supporters he would not abandon them as the country searched for a solution to weeks of political turmoil and bloody street battles.
President Xanana Gusmao, a former guerrilla leader revered for helping East Timor achieve independence from Indonesia, blames Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri for the unrest and demanded that he step down.
Alkatiri – who is battling allegations he formed and armed a hit squad to silence political opponents – refused, prompting Gusmao to say he would quit.
But he offered assurances today to 2,000 supporters who gathered outside government headquarters shouting “Viva Xanana!” that they need not worry.
“As your president, as your brother, I will honour the constitution … I will fulfil my obligations based on your demands,” Gusmao told the crowd.
The protesters, some of whom climbed trees to catch a glimpse of Gusmao and his wife, also shouted slogans denouncing Alkatiri.
“You, the young people, chose us as your leaders to bring you prosperity and not misery. We, your leaders, made a mistake,” Gusmao said, urging the protesters to stay peaceful.
Many East Timorese say Alkatiri’s decision to fire 600 disgruntled soldiers in March was to blame for street battles and gang warfare that left at least 30 people dead and sent nearly 150,000 people fleeing from their homes.
The violence was the worst to hit the tiny Asian nation since it voted for independence seven years ago, but ebbed with the arrival of a 2,700-member Australian-led peacekeeping force several weeks ago.
With the country’s leaders pitted against one another, tensions have flared anew in recent days.
Many people had predicted more violence if Gusmao, who is popular but whose post is largely ceremonial, resigned.
Protesters arrived in Dili throughout the night in flatbed trucks, buses and vans.
“I’m here with my husband and two children to witness the fall of Alkatiri,” said protester Betina Pereira. “He used our Fretilin party to do whatever he wants to make him and his government colleagues rich.”
Peacekeepers searched all traffic coming into the capital from outside districts for weapons, and kept a watchful eye on the demonstrators.
Duelling political factions have sought to capitalise on the recent wave of unrest in East Timor, and some have been accused of trying to stir more bloodshed for personal political gain.
The prime minister’s critics allege he formed and armed a hit squad to target his enemies, a claim he vehemently denies.
However, the arrest yesterday of former Interior Minister Rogerio Lobato on charges of providing weapons to the self-proclaimed leader of a hit squad allegedly commissioned by Alkatiri added credibility to the accusation.
Lobato was charged with attempted revolution, conspiracy, providing state weapons to civilians, and association with criminals. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
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