East Timor president to name caretaker govt

East Timor’s president will appoint a caretaker government to replace the Cabinet of the prime minister, whose resignation appeared to ease months of months of unrest in Asia’s newest nation, a senior adviser said today.

The announcement followed day-long meetings between president Gusmao Xanana and 12 senior advisers, known as the Council of State.

Gusmao did not say who was expected to replaced outgoing Mari Alkatiri as prime minister, said Mario Carrascalao, a member of the body.

He said the president also announced plans to extend the nation’s state of emergency for 30 days.