Thousands protest in support of East Timor's Alkatiri

In a major show of support for such a tiny nation, thousands rallied for former Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri Tuesday outside of the capital Dili.

The protests highlight the major divisions in East Timor that will not be solved by replacing Alkatiri with a pro-Gusmao candidate.


East Timorese shout 'Viva Alkatiri' as former Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri makes a speech in Hera district, outside of Dili on June 27, 2006. Beawiharta/Reuters photo from Yahoo News.

Gusmao is said to support a non-partisan replacement, but this will be hard to sell to the ruling Fretilin party which appeared to be behind Tuesday's rally.

A meeting between the State Council and Gusmao on Tuesday failed to resolve the issue, and there is talk that the president may dissolve parliament and call for new general elections.

East Timor prime minister resigns

Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri resigned Monday bowing to pressure from East Timor President Xanana Gusmao.

Protestors broke out in celebration on the streets of the capital Dili upon hearing the news.


East Timor's Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri resigned Monday after street protests and pressure from President Xanana Gusmao. AFP/Candido Alves photo from Yahoo News.

Gusmao called on Alkatiri to resign and accept responsibility for violence that has rocked the tiny nation since May.

The ruling Fretilin party did not name a successor to Alkatiri, but Gusmao has called a meeting Tuesday to address the emerging nation's political and economic crisis.

East Timor ruling party keeps Alkatiri as prime minister

In a blow to President Xanana Gusmao, East Timor's ruling party voted to keep Mari Alkatiri on as prime minister.

The move prompted the resignations of two government ministers including Nobel peace prize winner Jose Ramos-Horta, who acted as both foreign and defense minister.


East Timor's Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri speaks on a cellphone during a press conference in Dili. AFP/Candido Alves photo via Yahoo News.

Gusmano called for Alkatiri to resign last week after his failure to contain rampant violence that has troubled the country since last month. Gusmao threatened to resign himself if Alkatiri did not cede to his demands.

The ruling Fretilin party has asked both leaders to stay on at their posts.