When Timor-Leste's Foreign and Defence Minister, Jose Ramos-Horta resigned from the government at the weekend, he chose to do so by sending an SMS to Prime Minister, Mari Alkatiri. While there have been reports of people divorcing via SMS, this seems to be the first time a government minister has resigned this way.
The Prime Minister returned the compliment, accepting his resignation - also by SMS.
The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste is the new name for the former Portuguese and Indonesian province of East Timor.
He resigned as both Foreign and Defence Minister on June 25, 2006, announcing, "I do not wish to be associated with the present government or with any government involving Mr. Alkatiri."
The country has been beset by violence since April, following riots in Dili associated with protests over the dismissal of around 600 army soldiers, around 40 percent of the military, for desertion. While unclear, the motives behind the fighting appear to be the distribution of oil funds and the poor organization of the Timorese army and police, which includes former Indonesian police and former Timorese rebels. Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri has called the violence a "coup" and has welcomed offers of foreign military assistance from several nations.
Jos
Posted to the site on 27th June 2006
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/18002.php