ETimor govt will not last beyond two years: ex-PM

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2007

JAKARTA (AFP) — East Timor's new government will not last beyond two years because of mounting friction among its coalition parties, ex-prime minister Mari Alkatiri said in an interview published here Wednesday.

A new government headed by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao took office in August amid protest from Alkatiri's former ruling party Fretilin, which won the highest number of votes in June polls but not the majority required to govern.

Gusmao's party cobbled together a coalition commanding 37 seats in the 65-seat parliament, but Fretilin insisted it should have been invited to rule, sparking sporadic violence in the young nation.

"This government will at the most only last two years. If it can survive one year, it would already be a great thing," Alkatri...