Geraldine Goh, Jakarta – East Timorese leader Xanana Gusmao said new blood is needed to lead his country towards self-rule.

The president of the National Council of Timorese Resistance (CNRT), who delivered a speech on political transition at a conference here on Friday, told The Straits Times that the people of East Timor must choose the right person to steer the country towards full independence.

Speaking in Indonesian, Mr Gusmao said: "The people of East Timor are building a new course in the history of nation-building, and so, it is important for everyone to find a new leader, not one from the past who had fought in the battlefield, but someone who will have the capability and vision to face the struggles ahead on the path towards an independent East Timor." The former freedom fighter stressed that he was not aiming for the role of a lawmaker in East Timor.

"I am not standing for the National Assembly elections in August," said Mr Gusmao. "I will only participate as an ordinary voter." The polls slated for August 30 will see 88 candidates voted into Parliament – a representative from each of the 13 districts of East Timor and 75 other assemblymen who will vie for national representation.

The parliamentarians will then have three months to draft a new Constitution for East Timor which will include the date for the presidential election.

Mr Gusmao said he had also no intention of running for the presidency. He added: "I am not a politician. I have been a fighter all my life. I don't know anything about building this and that – the architecture, reconstruction. So, we must have someone who knows about all these – to rebuild East Timor."

Mr Gusmao said he also wished to see not only the physical rehabilitation of his homeland after the years of conflict, but also the emotional recovery of his people.

"I hope that reconciliation will continue among our people. East Timor wants to live in peace with itself and with its neighbours," he added.

Mr Gusmao held talks with Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid on Thursday to discuss joint border control between East Timor and Indonesian West Timor to avoid further clashes.

He also sought assistance for the repatriation of the remaining East Timorese refugees among the estimated 100,000 living in camps in West Timor, who wished to return home.

Mr Gusmao expressed hope that the returnees could participate in the political process in August to choose a new government which would take over from the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET).

He also commended Singapore for its commitment to send a 70-member contingent of peacekeepers to East Timor next month for a one-year stint. "We value Singapore's contribution to keep peace in East Timor as it joins other countries among the international community to help in our steps towards a new beginning," he said.