JAKARTA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Embattled Timor-Leste Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri has refused calls for his resignation amid allegations that he had armed rebels to kill opposition leaders ahead of next year's election, charges he repeatedly denied.

    "If I resign now, it's going to increase tension because of my supporters," he said in an interview with The Jakarta Post newspaper published on Monday.

    Alkatiri is the Secretary-General of the Fretilin Party, which has 55 of 88 seats in the parliament.

    Timor-Leste has been in tension over the last few months after the sacking of over 600 soldiers that at led to riots and lootings across the country.

    "A lot of people have tried to interfere in government affairs. Now, after having successfully interfered in the command and control of the police and military, they claim (the cause of the crisis) was the government," said Alkatiri.

    Asked if the crisis will be resolved in the near future, he replied: "No doubt, 75 percent of the problems are already overcome, mainly security." Enditem