UNPol in East Timor Security Briefing 23 February 2007

Last night and today the security situation has been under control. The rice distribution is going on peacefully, without major incidents. The police planned and is putting into practice since 08H00 a special security operation near the rice warehouses and places where it is being sold, so that everyone may have a change of purchasing rice.

This morning ISF responded to a disturbance at the Airport IDP camp, during which, an ISF soldier was attacked and defended himself by shooting the attacker, resulting in the death of one and the injure of two Timorese nationals. The situation was quickly brought under control and UNPol granted security in the area, which was shortly after visited by the Special Representative of the Secretary General Atul Khare.

UNPol is already investigating this morning's incident with full cooperation from ISF.

Several UNPol donated blood to help rescue the injured persons.

Yesterday, one male was killed at Salele Village, Cova Lima District. UNPOL/PNTL investigation revealed that the victim had an argument with the offender inside his house. When the victim attempted to leave, the offender picked up a rock and struck the victim to the left side of the head. The offender immediately fled from the scene but was arrested by the Salele Police Station Commander.

Yesterday, the police made 47 arrests, under the charges of theft, possession of illegal weapon and rock throwing. Two police cars were damaged yesterday due to rock throwing. We remember that UNPol is in TL to provide security and that these attacks make our work more difficult.

The Police advises the public to avoid the areas where these disturbances have been happening and to inform the police whenever they feel something suspicious. Use the emergency line only to report real cases. Remember, someone's life may depend of the correct use of this number. Call 112 or 7230365 to ask for the police help, 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.