Dili – East Timorese President Xanana Gusmao on Friday asked his critics for more time to solve the vast problems facing the newly independent nation.

Addressing the country to mark his first 100 days in office, Gusmao acknowledged grumblings about his administration, including charges of high-level corruption and nepotism, and unhappiness about the country's rampant poverty.

"These complaints are natural, human, but not reasonable," he said in a speech broadcast live across the territory on TV and radio.

"There may be failures, but these failures do not justify all such complaints. We all note that there is more to be done. Nevertheless, one must think that is impossible to do everything in three months."

East Timor was under Portuguese colonial rule for 400 years before Indonesia invaded the territory in 1974. After the August 1999 independence ballot, the UN took control of East Timor's administration until it achieved full independence on May 20.

During Indonesia's occupation, many educated East Timorese fled abroad. Some have since returned, but the country still lacks skilled administrators and civil servants.

Most of the country is desperately poor, despite the nation's substantial oil and gas reserves. Only the capital, Dili, has basic infrastructure. Analysts say it will depend on foreign aid for years to come.

In his speech, Gusmao said the parliament has so far passed 12 laws, but added that many more were needed, especially in the legal sector.

Gusmao, who led East Timor's resistance to Indonesian rule, didn't mention ongoing efforts by Jakarta to punish those responsible for his country's destruction after it voted for independence.

Up to 1,000 people were killed in a rampage by sections of the Indonesian military and pro-Jakarta gangs angry at losing the referendum.

Six Indonesian police and military officers were recently acquitted in Jakarta over the violence, sparking international criticism and renewing calls for a special tribunal to try the suspects.

Gusmao has said his government might consider asking the UN for such a tribunal. However, he has also said he trusted Indonesian courts to deliver justice in a bid to maintain cordial relations with Jakarta.