Gusmao runs for E Timor presidency

Gusmao is hailed as a hero in East Timor

East Timor independence leader Xanana Gusmao has declared he will stand in the territory's first presidential election on 14 April.

Mr Gusmao, a former guerrilla, has earned the support of most of the territory's political parties.

"I continue to believe that I am not the ideal person for this job, but I will do the best job that I can," he said at a news conference in the capital, Dili.

His only opponent in the election will be Francisco Xavier do Amaral, who served as president for nine days between the withdrawal of former colonial power Portugal in 1975 and the invasion by Indonesian forces.

Correspondents say the presidential role is likely to be ceremonial, as the country's constitution calls for a parliamentary style of government.

Guerrilla hero

The BBC's Richard Galpin in Jakarta says Mr Gusmao has always been a reluctant politician, with even the decision to file for presidency being left to just before the deadline.

Popular and charismatic, he is considered a hero in East Timor after he commanded the guerrilla army Falantil against Indonesia during their occupation of East Timor.

In 1992 he was captured in Dili and jailed for life by the Indonesian authorities, before being freed in 1999 eight days after East Timor voted for independence.

After the vote a campaign of killings and destruction by pro-Jakarta militias gripped the territory until the arrival of an Australian-led international peacekeeping force.

Since then it has come under United Nations administration, and Mr Gusmao has worked hard with both sides to ensure a peaceful transition of power.

East Timor will assume full independence on 20 May following the April elections.