Jose Ramos Horta has resigned from the government of embattled East Timor Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri, the office of the country's president Xanana Gusmao said on Sunday night.
Mr Horta resigned as foreign and defence minister, effective from 5pm on Sunday.
Mr Gusmao's office said Mr Alkatiri had been informed.
Mr Gusmao's spokesman Agio Pereira said Mr Horta had stated that
"I do not wish to be associated with the present government or with any government involving Mr Alkatiri."