The Indonesian Justice Minister, Mr Muladi, has said that now is not the time to release the jailed East Timorese rebel leader, Xanana Gusmao.

Indonesian television reported that Mr Muladi said such a move would cause disunity in East Timor.

He was responding to calls by the visiting United Nations Special Envoy, Jashmeed Marker, for Mr Gusmao's release.

Mr Muladi said the issue was part of the tripartite meetings involving Indonesia, Portugal and the UN secretary-general.

The next meeting is due in January in New York.