[Source: RDP Antena 1 radio, Lisbon, in Portuguese. Excerpt from report by Portuguese radio on 14 August]

Presenter Xanana Gusmao former president of the National Council of the Timorese Resistance has today admitted for the first time the possibility of running for the presidency of East Timor. The historical leader of the East Timorese resistance has been constantly refused the suggestion of running for posts within the administration of the future independent country. However, speaking with journalists today, he admitted becoming a candidate under certain conditions. Antonio Veladas reports:

Reporter: Xanana Gusmao has undergone a change of opinion. He no longer says he will never be a candidate for the presidency of East Timor. The doors to a possible candidature were left half-open. Speaking briefly to Portuguese and Timorese journalists, and answering a question on this issue, Xanana clearly said that he would run for the presidency if that was the wish of all the Timorese people and not only of a few people.

Gusmao: Sometimes I meet people who tell me: look the people wants it to be like that running for president, let me tell you something, the people want to see you as president. So, everyone brings the name of the people into this, but I keep meeting people who tell me the same you are now saying: it is the people, the people.

Reporter: But what would you do if the people expressed their wish clearly before you?

Gusmao: If you ask me that question some other time I will tell the people which would be my conditions.

Reporter: ...The president of the Association of Veterans from the Timorese Resistance said he is ready for a potential candidature to the presidency if he feels the people as a whole wish this candidature to happen instead of the exclusive wish of single voices...