Timor PM will not be removed, says parliament chief

By Lirio da Fonseca

DILI, June 8 (Reuters) - East Timor's parliament threw its support behind embattled Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri on Thursday, standing up to troops and protesters calling for his removal over violence that has gripped the capital, Dili.

"The parliament will not make any decision that will oust the prime minister," parliament chief Francisco Guterres said.

"The prime minister was elected by the majority party, Fretilin," he told reporters.

"Even if the president agrees to the removal of the prime minister, he must coordinate with the parliament. There has been no such decision up until now."

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