Ramos-Horta sworn in as East Timor prime minister

East Timor's former foreign minister, Jose Ramos Horta, has been sworn in as the country's new prime minister.

In a ceremony at the president's office, the 56-year-old placed his hand on a copy of the country's constitution as he took a brief oath to serve East Timor's people.

The oath was witnessed by President Xanana Gusmao, who appointed him to the position on Saturday.

It is hoped the move will restore calm following weeks of political turmoil and violence in the country.

Mr Ramos Horta replaces Mari Alkatiri who stepped down on June 26 amid allegations he armed a hit squad to eliminate his political enemies.

Mr Ramos Horta said one of his priorities would be to boost security so the 100,000 people who fled the capital, Dili, during the violence will return home.

In an interview with a Portuguese daily, he said he would also aim to reopen schools, begin national reconciliation talks and appoint a new cabinet.

East Timor descended into violence in April after Mr Alkatiri sacked 600 soldiers, or about 40 per cent of the armed forces, after they protested over alleged discrimination against soldiers from the east of the country.

This divide between soldiers from the country's east and west was central to the weeks of violence that followed.

The unrest left at least 21 people dead.

- RADIO AUSTRALIA