The former East Timor guerrilla leader, Mr Xanana Gusmao, has ended months of speculation by announcing he is prepared to stand for president of the former Portuguese colony.
The independence hero made his announcement before a crowd at a stadium in the East Timorese capital of Dili on Saturday. The announcement precedes the country's first democratic elections to vote on a constituent assembly on August 30th.
"I declare here and now that I will accept to be nominated by the parties to the Office of the President of the republic of Timor Lorasae," Mr Gusmao said. The presidential election is likely to take place next year.
The hugely popular Mr Gusmao had repeatedly said he did not wish to stand for president, but wanted to concentrate on photography and journalism.
Mr Gusmao said he had changed his mind about standing for election after pressure from foreign governments. His supporters, who have long insisted there could be no other leader, were relieved by the announcement.
The UN chief in East Timor, Mr Sergio Vieira de Mello, welcomed the news. "It will reassure the population and will help us continue to move this process forward in a stable and peaceful manner."
Last week, Mr Gusmao vowed to prevent a tense election campaign from triggering bloodshed as the territory prepares for nationhood. It is still recovering from the violence which occurred following the independence vote of two years ago. East Timor has been under UN administration since breaking from Indonesian rule in 1999. It is expected to gain full independence in 2002.
More than 900 officials will monitor Thursday's elections to the 88-seat constituent assembly, which will become the territory's first parliament. Over 380,000 Timorese are expected to vote.