East Timor's independence hero Xanana Gusmao has tendered his resignation as the country's prime minister, the government said Friday. According to dpa, Gusmao submitted his letter of resignation to President Taur Matan Ruak, the government said in a statement posted on its website. "It is now for the president of the republic to consider and respond to the letter of resignation," it said. Gusmao, 68, will remain in office until a successor is sworn in, the statement said. The government did not give a reason for the resignation, but Gusmao has said in the past that time has come for new leadership in the country.
