Gusmao quits as head of E.Timor independence group

Gusmao

DILI, East Timor, (Reuters) -- Charismatic East Timorese leader Xanana Gusmao quit as leader of the top pro-independence group on Sunday in the strongest sign yet he will not accept the presidency.

Gusmao, jailed by Indonesian for leading the separatist rebellion against Jakarta's rule, had repeatedly ruled out seeking the presidency but many had expected him to be drafted into the job at elections set for next year.

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"I withdraw myself from the CNRT (National Council for Timorese Resistance)," Gusmao told delegates at East Timor's national congress, saying it was time for new blood in the country's leadership.

Nobel peace laureate Jose Ramos-Horta also told the congress he was giving up his senior positions in the CNRT.

East Timor is under U.N. control after voting overwhelmingly last year to end Indonesia's often brutal 23-year rule. The United Nations said last month that elections in East Timor and possibly final independence from Indonesia could take place by the end of 2001.

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