UNPol in East Timor Security Briefing 14 September 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 Timor-Leste has been generally calm, although there were disturbances in the Kampung Tuti area of Dili.

Earlier today in Dili, UNPol attended six incidents, including ongoing fighting in Kampung Tuti. Two groups numbering approximately 100 people were throwing rocks at each other along the sides of the Comoro river. Police, with the support of the international security forces, dispersed the crowd at around 0845hrs only for them to resume fighting two hours later. Police again brought the situation under control, and now a formed police unit (FPU) is remaining at the location to prevent further trouble.

There were sporadic incidents of rock throwing on Thursday in Dili, concentrating around Kampung Tuti, Bebonuk, and Balide. One UNPol officer sustained minor injuries to his thumb when rocks were thrown at his car near Obrigado Barracks. Police apprehended and arrested the suspect.

Separately, one man was arrested in Bidau on Thursday night for drunken and disorderly behaviour.

On Thursday in Venilale, police held a meeting with the Baucau District Administrator, the Sub-District Administrator and local youths, to try and identify who was responsible for the recent cases of arson in the sub-district. The participants also discussed the best way to re-establish security and achieve reconciliation amongst the local population.

United Nations police officers in conjunction with the PNTL and the international security forces remain fully deployed to respond to any disturbances that may emerge.

The Police advise to avoid traveling during the night to the most affected areas. Please report any suspicious activities.  You can call 112 or 7230365 to contact the police 24 hours a day, seven days a week.