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interview with Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao

The PhilippinesCIA The World Factbook

YI: Can you tell us a little about outside your work, we understand you like to write poetry.

Gusmao: I used to. Not now, because I don't have time, but I already promised to everybody after 2007, I will not only write poetry but write stories of the war. Sometimes war is always sad stories, death, suffering and violence, but there are also good stories to tell to a new generation.

YI: You mentioned 2007, does that mean you're not going to be president again?

Gusmao: I'm tired of power. For the sake of the system, I should not (run again). We are trying to get people to be involved and to believe, to trust in the system. At the end of last year we started direct elections of village chiefs. It is the first time in our history, and it was successful because people participated. On average more than 92 percent of the people participated. That is democracy.

YI: You are the country's first president. In history books, you will be known as the first president of independent Timor Leste. What would you like people to remember you as?

Gusmao: I should not have this ambition, maybe I will be remembered as a president that could not solve their problems.

YI: But you're known as the Nelson Mandela of Timor Leste. Perhaps you have been an inspiration for them.

Gusmao: I never agree to this comparison, because it was easy for people, especially the media, to compare us, because of the fact that we both were imprisoned, and maybe because we became president.

YI: What kind of future do you envision for Timor Leste?

Gusmao: I believe that if we strengthen the state institutions, the future for Timor Leste will be bright.

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