Xanana's departure

Yesterday, reportedly around 5 pm Dili time, Xanana Gusmão presented himself at Presidential Palace. With him was a short letter addressed to the President that read (source):

I've come to present your excellency with my resignation, assuring your excellency that I will continue to be available to serve the best interests of the State and the Nation and for the intransigent defense and consolidation of independence and national sovereignty, contributing to the promotion of national unity and the sense of responsibility on the part of the citizens.

Certainly, after the start of this year the signs are pointing towards a change in government leadership with Xanana's on-again and off-again decision appearing to firm on a resignation.

But, if the events in past year taught us anything, you can't take anything in Timor-Leste at its face value. Taking a politician's statement as a gospel truth can lead to disappointment. Until a new government is sworn in at the Palacio in Aitarak Laran, everything remains a speculation.