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Gusmao appointment “illegal”

SINGAPORE: Violent opposition and a promise of peaceful protest have greeted the appointment of Xanana Gusmao as Prime Minister of Timor Leste (formerly, East Timor).

President Ramos Horta on Monday named Mr. Gusmao, East Timor’s celebrated independence leader, for the powerful executive post. In doing so, the President sidelined Fretilin, which got more seats than any other party but not an absolute majority in the general election held on June 30

Angered over this, Fretilin supporters resorted to a violent protest on Monday and Tuesday in several parts of the tiny country. Protesters clashed with security forces and resorted to arson.

Fretilin leader and former Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri said Mr. Gusmao’s appointment was “illegal.”

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