United Nations Police in East Timor Weekly Security Brief 8-14 March 2008

UNPol Weekly Security Brief 8-14 March 2008 - 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 remains stable but fragile. The 10pm to 6am curfew continues.

During the past week, a total of 26 security incidents were reported for the whole country; 22 in Dili and 4 in the districts (reporting period 5-11 March). The majority of security incidents continue to be low-level assaults and minor public disturbances. Two homicides were reported in Dili and one in Bobonaro. There were no incidents of group fighting. A total of 157 arrests were made, primarily for curfew violations.

In order to maintain a strong security presence in Dili, over 300 United Nations Police from Portugal, Bangladesh, and Malaysia together with the Australian Federal Police and PNTL Task Force are actively patrolling all areas of the city.

There were two arrests made for suspects related to the October 2007 Border Patrol Unit case. The suspects have been presented before the courts.

There have been no security incidents at the IDP camps. A total of 139 families have received the Government's recovery package and successfully reintegrated into their communities. A further 627 families have registered their willingness to return and are waiting to be verified. This week, 42 families left the Dominican sisters IDP camp in Dili to return home.

There have been no serious security incidents at Aitarak-laran where an estimated 670 petitioners are still gathered.

The police advise to avoid travelling 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.