East Timor's president chose former health minister Rui Araujo to be the country’s new prime minister, the government said on Tuesday.
East Timor PM Jose Ramos-Horta (left) talks with Health Minister Rui Araujo during a cabinet swearing-in ceremony in Dili on July 14, 2006. (Image credit: Reuters)
Araujo replaces Xanana Gusmao, who stepped down last week to allow for a younger generation to lead.
Gusmao, 68, and his ruling CNRT party recommended that Araujo take the helm even though the New Zealand-trained doctor is from the opposition Fretilin party.
Araujo is expected to be sworn in this week as East Timor's fifth prime minister since it gained independence from Indonesia in 2002.
(Source: Reuters)