UNPol in East Timor Security Briefing 12 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 situation across the country has largely been calm, although there have been isolated incidents of violence unrelated to the elections.

Today, UNPol made a total of 50 patrols in Dili. There were no reports of serious incidents

Last night in Dili, a Timorese journalist was attacked by a group of males at the Motael Church IDP camp. He received knife wounds and was conveyed to Dili hospital. His injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

In Ainaro, UNPol are preparing for the annual gathering of KORK. So far all is quiet, and there is no intelligence to suggest that violence is expected. Yesterday in Liquica, a young male received injuries to his leg from a steel dart after a dispute with another young male. Police have identified the suspect and the search for him continues. In Oecussi, a woman was attacked by her business partner. Her injuries are not life-threatening, and the suspect has been arrested. In Viqueque, there was a fight between villagers from Uaitame and Afaloicai. To disperse the crowds, a PNTL officer fired six warning shots into the air. No injuries were reported and the village chiefs are meeting to settle the matter.

UNPol, Formed Police Units and the International Stabilisation Forces are continuing to transport ballot materials to counting centres and back to Dili by road and by helicopter. The Elections Security Plan is currently in phase four, which covers the period after elections. UNPOL and PNTL are remaining in their allocated sectors until after the results are announced. Their tasks include transporting sensitive ballot materials and responding to any unrest that may arise in connection with the results.

The Police advise that you should avoid traveling during the night to the most affected areas. Contact the police if you see anything suspicious or any kind of problems, and avoid remaining near any 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.