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Dr. José Ramos-Horta suspends activity as prime minister,
22 March 2007
Prime Minister Dr. José Ramos-Horta will step aside as
Prime Minister for the duration of the presidential campaign,
starting tomorrow until April 6. 1st Deputy Prime Minister Engº
Estanislau da Silva will take over the function of Coordinating
Minister and Acting Minister of Defence.
The electoral law does not require the Prime Minister to step
aside for the campaign but Dr. Ramos-Horta has decided to do so
in order to avoid any conflict of interest or unfair advantage
over other candidates.
Prime Minister Ramos-Horta has instructed all of his staff to
remain on duty to provide all necessary support to Deputy Prime
Minister Engº Estanislau da Silva.
Prime Minister Ramos-Horta has also handed over to his Chief
of Staff, Ms. Lígia de Jesus, his official telephone (+670)
7230013, who will direct all non-governmental calls to a private
number.
His personal security chief, Mr. Carlos Cabral, seconded to the
office of the Prime Minister by the government of Portugal under
a bi-lateral agreement, will remain in the Prime Minister's office
to assist the Deputy Prime Minister Estanislau da Silva. Dr. Ramos
Horta will be provided close protection by UNMIT as is the case
with other candidates.
Needless to say, Dr. Ramos-Horta will NOT use any government
vehicle while on the presidential campaign. Dr. Ramos-Horta has
never used, in any circumstance, government vehicles while on
private trips in the country.
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