Gusmao sworn in as prime minister

Independence hero and former president Xanana Gusmao was sworn in as East Timor's prime minister yesterday as simmering violence continued in some districts loyal to the former ruling party.

Breaking a deadlock after parliamentary polls more than a month ago, President Jose Ramos-Horta on Monday appointed Gusmao's coalition to govern after no single party won a majority.

Ramos-Horta's decision sparked violent protests by supporters of the former ruling party, Fretilin, which claims the right to govern and has branded the president's move as unconstitutional.