BRUSSELS, July 12 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) on Wednesday welcomed the inauguration of Jose Ramos-Horta as the new prime minister of Timor-Leste.

    This "provides hope for a solution to the recent crisis" in the Southeast Asian country, said the European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, in reference to the new prime minister's inauguration on Monday.

    The commission "looks forward to the forming of a new Cabinet as soon as possible, in order to launch the process of stabilization in Timor-Leste," it said in a statement.

    The commission, which has sent its special envoy Miguel Amado to Timor-Leste, will support the new government in its efforts to overcome the current crisis, said the statement.

    The commission will "remain supportive of a multilateral framework" for continuing the presence of international deployment in the country, "subject to agreement by the UN Security Council," it said.

    According to the statement, the commission, which recently committed an additional 3 million euros (about 4 million U.S. dollars) in humanitarian aid to the 140,000 displaced people of the country, will work closely with the government to help address the most pressing needs, including the immediate challenges of stabilizing the nation.

    Timor-Leste President Xanana Gusmao appointed Ramos-Horta, the country's former defense and foreign minister, after former Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri stepped down last month in the face of public demonstrations demanding his resignation.

    Alkatiri has been blamed for creating ethnic divisions leading to the well-publicized violence which has plagued the country since March. At least 37 people have been killed and 155,000 people, or 15 percent of the population, have been forced out of their homes since that time.

    Speaking at his swearing-in ceremony on Monday, Ramos-Horta said his government would concentrate on restoring peace and security, rebuilding the police and armed forces and improving the economy, especially in rural areas.

    A 2,500-strong international peacekeeping force comprising personnel from Australia, New Zealand, Portugal and Malaysia arrived in Timor-Leste in May to maintain security. Enditem