UNPol in East Timor Security Briefing 27 June 2007

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

Today is the last official day of campaigning for the parliamentary elections, and two security incidents related to campaigning were reported to have taken place between Dili and Manatuto. Outside of these incidents, the security situation across the country has generally been calm.

Today in Dili, UNPol were required to respond to six incidents. Two of those were reports of rocks being thrown at convoys on their way to political rallies in Dili. In the first incident, which occurred near Pig Bridge in Metinaro at around 1400hrs, a supporter was hit by a rock and knocked from his vehicle. He was seriously injured and taken to Dili hospital.

In the second incident which took place shortly thereafter, a convoy of seven trucks was attacked by unknown assailants in the village of Cribas on the road to Manatuto. Initial reports suggest that three people were injured in the attack.

Yesterday evening in Dili, UNPol and International Stabilization Forces (ISF) responded to reports of youths throwing rocks at passing vehicles in Balide. The ISF came under attack from the youths, and fired two flares in the air as a warning. The flares dispersed the group.

Yesterday morning in Viqueque, UNPol received reports of two locals being stranded on a small island on the Motakuha River after the heavy rain of the previous night. In spite of the difficult conditions, UNPol managed to rescue the two.

In Covalima yesterday, police interviewed four suspects in Suai accused of a rape that is alleged to have taken place one day previously. Police are gathering evidence and will submit a report to the prosecutor’s office to seek a conviction.

The Elections Security Plan is currently in phase two, which covers the campaign period. In phase three, which covers Election Day 30 June, UNPol and PNTL will be deployed at every polling centre. Mobile patrols will monitor the surrounding areas and Formed Police Units will be available to rapidly attend any emergencies. These measures are in place to ensure that all Timorese can vote without fear of violence or intimidation.

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.