Gusmao steps down

Many East Timorese view Gusmao as a hero

Xanana Gusmao, the man who has been at the forefront of the struggle for independence in East Timor for nearly two decades, has resigned as leader of the main independence movement.

I want to give way to those who will bring new blood to our struggle

Xanana Gusmao

The move follows his recent resignation from the armed wing of the movement, Falintil.

Mr Gusmao told delegates at the East Timor national congress: "We need renewed energy, we need new faces, we need increased and energetic capacity to lead East Timor forward. I want to give way to those who will bring new blood to our struggle."

His announcement comes a year after the East Timorese voted for independence, bringing an end to 23 years of Indonesian rule.

The UN is holding the fort until full independence next year

The months leading up to the referendum had been marked by a campaign of murder and destruction blamed on pro-Indonesian militias. Amid the violence, hundreds of thousands of East Timorese fled their homes - many for West Timor.

East Timor is currently under United Nations administration ahead of full independence, possibly in 2001 after elections. Celebrations for the anniversary of the independence vote are due on 30 August.

Mr Gusmao was jailed by Indonesia for leading the National Council for Timorese Resistance (CNRT) in their rebellion against Indonesian rule. He was freed after the vote for independence.

He is seen as a hero by many East Timorese and observers say he is one of the few figures capable of uniting the various political factions and community groups.

Abandoning presidency?

East Timor's other well-known independence leader, Nobel peace laureate Jose Ramos-Horta, also announced his resignation as a senior leader of the CNRT on Sunday.

Both Mr Gusmao and Mr Ramos-Horta had been expected to stand for the presidency in East Timor's elections next year. It was unclear, however, whether the resignations meant that the pair had abandoned plans to run for office.

Mr Ramos-Horta said he would head a scheme to help the poor in East Timor and would act as a mediator among competing groups in the territory.

"The country is free, though not yet fully independent," he said. "Stepping down from a formal position does not mean that we are resigning from our responsibilities to our citizens."