Dili – East Timor on Wednesday created a new post of vice-prime minister in a bid to boost government efficiency in the world's newest nation.

Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri appointed Justice Minister Ana Pesoa to the new post. Pesoa, of the ruling Fretilin party, is to be replaced at the Justice Ministry by her deputy, Domingos Sarmento, the prime minister said.

Alkatiri said he hoped the change would improve his administration's efficiency.

East Timor became independent in May after three years of transitional UN administration, 24 years of Indonesian occupation and more than 400 years of Portuguese colonial rule.

The poverty-stricken country inherited a legacy of corruption and inefficiency from Indonesia. It was largely destroyed by the Indonesian military after choosing independence in a UN sponsored referendum in 1999.

Alkatiri also announced a new post of state secretary for telecommunications, and named ex-journalist Virgilio Guterres as director-general of television.