East Timor Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao resigned Friday as a part of a government restructuring plan expected to be announced next week. The 68-year-old former guerrilla leader helped bring independence to East Timor and became the nation’s first president in 2002, when Indonesian rule ended, serving until 2007 before becoming prime minister. The new government overhaul proposal will see the cabinet reduced to 34 members from 55 and include appointing opposition members. Gusmao is expected to maintain a role in government, according to one of his advisers, but the resignation signals a shift in paving the way for a new generation of leaders.
