Pro-Independence Leader Quits Post

East Timorese leader Jose Alexandre “Xanana” Gusmao quit as leader of the territory’s top pro-independence group, the strongest sign yet that he will not accept the presidency. Gusmao, who had been jailed by Indonesia for leading a separatist rebellion in the former province, has repeatedly ruled out seeking the presidency, but many had expected him to be drafted. “I withdraw myself” from the National Council for Timorese Resistance, he told delegates at East Timor’s national congress, saying it was time for a change in the leadership. 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.