UNPol in East Timor Security Briefing 25 April 2007

This is a broadcast of the UN Police in Timor-Leste to provide you with information about the security situation around the country.

The security situation in Dili has been relatively calm, although Bairo Pite remains volatile.

Today in Dili, UNPol conducted a total of 54 patrols and were required to attend only three incidents. One was a gang fight in Bairo Pite near the Hong Kong Hotel at approximately 0745hrs. UNPol and the Malaysian Formed Police Unit responded and brought the situation under control. Weapons were recovered from the scene, and a young male sustained minor injuries. Two hours later, UNPol also responded to reports of rock fighting in Fatumeta. The situation was quickly brought under control, and no injuries were reported.

Yesterday in Dili, UNPol received reports of gangs fighting in Surik Mas. When UNPol arrived, the gangs had fled, but one house had been set on fire. The fire service attended the scene and extinguished the blaze. Five people have since been arrested in Bairo Pite and Hudilaran in connection with the fight.

In Oecussi yesterday morning, the body of a man was found at Tono River Pantai Makasar. Police have identified the last people known to have been with the victim, and a further investigation is being conducted.

Separately, a man was stabbed in the buttocks after a domestic dispute in Kuluhun, Los Palos. His injuries are not thought to be serious.

Across the country, the two remaining Presidential candidates have begun their campaigning for the second round of elections. So far, there have been no serious security incidents linked with the campaigns.

With regards to other police work, the Vulnerable Persons Unit of UNPol is meeting with UNICEF to discuss what support can be offered by UNPol in the event of any emergencies in the IDP camps. The Unit is also looking into canvassing for witness statements with regards to allegations of human trafficking.

The Police advise to avoid traveling during the night to the most affected areas. Report any suspicious activities and avoid traveling the areas affected by disturbances. Call 112 or 7230365 to contact the police 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

This has been a daily broadcast of the UN Police in Timor-Leste, for the people of Timor-Leste.