Timorese leaders stay on

Many East Timorese regard the leaders as heroes

Two of the best-known independence fighters in East Timor, Xanana Gusmao and Jose Ramos-Horta, have abruptly withdrawn their resignations from the territory's main political grouping.

The two men had said it was time for new and younger figures to take over at the helm, as East Timor moves to full independence.

But after listening to impassioned pleas during a meeting of the National Council of Timorese Resistance, both men decided to stay on.

Ramos Horta: Abrupt turnaround

"I will remain, as it is apparently what the people want," said Mr Ramos-Horta, "And Xanana, he will stay as well."

"I totally underestimated the emotional response. I thought I could leave discreetly without anyone noticing," he added.

Uniting factions

Many people in East Timor believe Mr Gusmao will become East Timor's first president when independence finally arrives.

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.

The UN is holding the fort until full independence next year

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.

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.

The independence referendum brought to an end to 23 years of Indonesian rule.

But the months leading up to the vote were 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.