Jose Ramos-Horta was sworn in as Timor-Leste's new prime minister on Monday, according to reports from Dili, capital of the county.

Timor-Leste's President Xanana Gusmao on Saturday named Ramos-Horta as prime minister to replace Mari Alkatiri, who resigned last month.

Jose Ramos-Hort pledged to end the violence which has been continuing in the country for several months.

"Our immediate task is to consolidate the security in Dili and in all of East Timor," Ramos-Horta said in a speech after being inaugurated at a ceremony at the presidential palace.

Ramos-Horta did not mention the allegations against Alkatiri and said he would listen to his advice on governing the country.

Timor-Leste's crisis began in March when Alkatiri fired 600 soldiers after they went on strike complaining of discrimination. The decision triggered fighting between the security forces that later spilled over into gang warfare, looting and arson that left 30 people dead.

Last month, President Xanana Gusmao joined calls on Alkatiri to step down.

(Xinhua News Agency July 10, 2006)