(The Telegraph)East Timor PM steps down(Filed: 26/06/2006)
East Timor's embattled prime minister has resigned in an attempt
to stem growing unrest and political turmoil in the tiny nation.
Mari Alkatiri told a news conference at his home in the capital Dili:
"I declare I am ready to resign from my position as prime minister,".
He also said he would take a share of responsibility for a political
crisis that has gripped the world's newest democratic nation for more
than two months.
<snip>
Alkatiri has been under pressure to step down since his decision
to dismiss 600 disgruntled soldiers in March. Many East Timorese
blamed the move for ensuing street battles and gang warfare
that left at least 30 people dead and forced nearly 150,000
to flee from their homes.
<snip>
Full article:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/06/26/ualkatiri.xml&sSheet=/news/2006/06/26/ixnews.htmlEarlier:
East Timor's prime minister refuses to step down, as political crisis deepens