23 June 2006, Dili - Sukehiro Hasegawa,
the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative (SRSG) today appealed
to President Xanana Gusmão not to resign, stating "The continued presence
of President Xanana Gusmão is indispensable for the maintenance of peace
and stability of Timor-Leste."
The President expressed his appreciation
for SRSG Hasegawa's appeal to him and for a telephone call he received
from Secretary-General Kofi Annan in the morning, but he reiterated his
firm intention to submit his message of resignation to the National Parliament
unless the Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri steps down.
According to Section 81 of the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, the President of the Republic may resign from office by message addressed to the National Parliament. Resignation shall take effect once the message is made known to the National Parliament without prejudice to the subsequent application in the official gazette.
SRSG Hasegawa met with Prime Minister Alkatiri in the afternoon and conveyed the President's intention to resign.
In a message prepared for broadcast on national radio, Hasegawa calls upon all Timorese to reject attempts to divide the nation. "Maintaining national unity is paramount," he says.
For additional information, please contact: Donna Cusumano, Chief, Public Information Office, UNOTIL; +670 723 0749 or Spokesperson Robert Sullivan at 670 331-2210, extension 5165