UNPOL Weekly Security Briefing 15 February 2008

UNPOL Weekly Security Briefing 15 February 2008 - This is a broadcast of the UN Police in Timor-Leste to provide you with information about the security situation around the country.    

This week was defined by the two attacks occurring on Monday 11 February against the residence of President Jose Ramos-Horta and the convoy of Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao.

The President is recovering in Darwin following the severe injuries he received during the attacks. Doctors have confirmed that he is responding well to the medical treatment and that his vital signs are improving. He is currently in a serious, but stable condition.

The curfew imposed as part of the State of Emergency has been extended to 23 February, 2008.

UNPOL in coordination with PNTL and ISF, have implemented a robust security blanket throughout Dili, and reinforced their presence in Suai and Ermera districts.

Since Monday, there has been no increase in security incidents in the capital. Only 28

incidents were reported, four less than during the previous week. This remains well below the 2007 average of 54 incidents. Most of the incidents reported were minor assaults and public disturbances, promptly attended to by the police. Only one case of group fighting was reported. The security situation in Dili and in the rest of the country has remained calm.

Investigations into the attacks are currently underway. The police (UNPol and PNTL) have given their first progress report to the Prosecutor General and have recommended a number of arrest warrants be issued based on the evidence collected to date. All arrest warrants will be issued by the Prosecutor General. The police are continuing their investigations.

At the request of the Government of Timor-Leste, an additional 140 military officers have arrived in Dili to join the International Stabilization Forces (ISF). An extra 70 police officers have also arrived to assist the ISF.

An estimated 2000 people attended the funerals of Alfredo Reinado and Leopoldinho Exposto who were buried in a peaceful ceremony held in Marconi on Thursday afternoon (14/02). No security incidents occurred around or during the funeral procession or burial. The large crowd dispersed quietly.

Food distributions to Dili IDP camps were suspended on Monday. The distributions resumed on Tuesday and have continued for the rest of the week with no security incidents occurring.

There have been no security incidents at the gathering of the petitioners in Aitarak Laran Dili.