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Southeast Asia
Timor's president defends rebel leader
2006-06-18
East Timor's president on Saturday defended the leader of a band of renegade troops who have clashed with loyalist forces, saying he was not the cause of the unrest and political tension plaguing the tiny nation.

Xanana Gusmao said Alfredo Reinado, who is also demanding that East Timor's politically powerful prime minister step down, "was not a rebel" despite the fact he took up arms against other government forces.
"He's something else."
"Like what?"
"Something. Else."
Maj. Alfredo is not the one who initiated the problem, we have many other issues to think about," Gusmao said. He did not elaborate.

Gusmao's remarks, made on a trip to neighbouring Indonesia, appeared to be part of an attempt to defuse tensions in East Timor, but will likely concern supporters of Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri and underline the complex political backdrop to the unrest.
Posted by:Oztralian

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