Semi-stable models for rigid-analytic spaces

Let R be a complete discrete valuation ring with field of fractions K and let X-K be a smooth, quasi-compact rigid-analytic space over Sp K. We show that there exists a finite separable field extension K' of K, a rigid-analytic space X'(K') over Sp K' having a strictly semi-stable formal model over the ring of integers of K', and an etale, surjective morphism f : X'(K') --> X-K of rigid-analytic spaces over Sp K. This is different from the alteration result of A.J. de Jong [dJ] who does not obtain that f is etale. To achieve this property we have to work locally on X-K, i.e. our f is not proper and hence not an alteration.