UNPol in East Timor Security Briefing 27 July 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 across the country has generally been calm.

Today in Dili district, UNPol were required to attend nine incidents. They included a peaceful demonstration by Dili University students in front of the RTTL and TVTL buildings, and the arrest of a man in Taibesi by the New Zealand ISF for possession of a knife. The fire brigade and police also put out a house fire in the Luro-Mata area. No one was injured in the fire, and police are investigating its cause.

Yesterday in Dili, there were reports of sporadic incidents of rock throwing, fighting, and tyre-burning. Five people in total were arrested for identification purposes in Dili District yesterday - two in the Audian area for possession of handcuffs, and three in Hera for assault and damage of property.

Early this morning in Ermera, a report was received about the Education Ministry Building was set on fire at around 0200hrs. UNPol and PNTL managed to contain the fire and minimize the damage. There were no injuries since the building was empty at the time, but police believe the fire was probably started deliberately and are investigating accordingly.

Early yesterday morning in Oecussi, the kitchen of a house occupied by a woman and her six children was destroyed by fire. UNPol and PNTL are investigating, but evidence suggests that the blaze was an accident, possibly caused by an open cooking fire.

UNPol, PNTL and the ISF are working together to provide security to the people of Timor-Leste. The UNPol Election Security Plan is currently in Phase Four, the post-polling phase. UNPol, PNTL and Formed Police Units remain deployed and are on stand-by for any post-polling clashes or victory processions. The International Stabilisation Forces are also on stand-by, ready to be deployed on request.

The police would also like to remind the people of Timor-Leste that they require valid driving licenses before they are allowed to drive on the roads. All vehicles should also display valid license plates. These measures are in place to help ensure road safety.

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.