Timor president abandons threat to resign

EAST Timor’s president backed off a threat to resign yesterday, telling thousands of flag-waving supporters he would not abandon them as the country searched for a solution to weeks of political turmoil and bloody street battles.

President Xanana Gusmao, a former guerrilla leader, blames Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri for the unrest and had yesterday demanded that he step down.

Alkatiri refused, prompting Gusmao to say he would quit his largely ceremonial post.

Many East Timorese say Alkatiri was to blame for street battles and gang warfare that left at least 30 people dead and sent nearly 150,000 people fleeing.

The violence ebbed with the arrival of a 2,700 member Australian-led peacekeeping force several weeks ago.

The arrest Wednesday of former Interior Minister Rogerio Lobato on charges of providing state weapons to civilians, conspiracy and attempted revolution added to pressure on Mr Alkatiri.