Since June 22 Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak and President of the Republic, Francisco “Lu Olo” Guterres, have stood firm on opposing views of the ministerial cabinet.

“The President of the Republic wants to replace nine candidate ministers who have been suspended, while Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak has kept nine members of the government with strong reasons,” Oliveira said.

The President has long rejected cabinet members connected to corruption investigations. Last week in an attempt to finalise the cabinet Lu Olo called on Ruak to find replacements.

Ruak, backed firmly by leaders within the National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction party, has repeatedly said the nominated members should be treated as innocent until proven guilty of corruption charges.

Oliveria said the Prime Minister and President must use legal channels as dialogue had failed.

“This issue must be transferred to the courts to decide,” Oliveria said.