UNPol in East Timor Security Briefing 7 August 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 in Timor-Leste remains volatile following the announcement of the new Government yesterday. In the past 24 hours the situation in Dili has been tense which also extends to the east in Baucau and Viqueque.

UNPol, PNTL and the International Stablisation Forces (ISF) have been responding to all reported incidents and continue to control the security situation across the country.

Today in Dili, UNPol and the PNTL attended approximately 32 incidents involving rock throwing, the burning of tyres, and fighting between different groups. The disturbances have concentrated around the airport roundabout, Comoro Market, Pantai Kelapa, and Bebonuk, but have also affected areas such as Caicoli and Mercado Lama. At least 15 UN vehicles have been damaged by rock throwing.

There are also reports of arson in Baucau and Viqueque. In Baucau, the MRTC building was set on fire. In Viqueque, at least two houses and a minibus are reported to have been set on fire. UNPol  and the ISF are deployed in both areas and have both situations under control.

Rock throwing incidents have also been reported today from Metinaro, where unidentified people targeted UN cars on the way to Dili.

Last night in Dili, numerous incidents of rock throwing and fighting were reported across the capital from about 1630hrs onward. The intensity of the disturbances peaked at around 2000hrs and then began to subside. UNPol and FPUs, with the ISF in support, managed the situation using tear gas and other non-lethal force options. At least six people were arrested. Customs House at Seaport was set on fire, but firefighters attended and brought the blaze under control.

Last night, gun shots were heard in the Pantai Kelapa area of Dili. UNPol, FPUs and the ISF responded quickly and searched the area, but found no evidence that shots had been fired.

Yesterday in Baucau, supporters of one party held a demonstration in front of the District Administrator’s office at around 1300hrs.

Approximately 500 people and 15 trucks were involved in the demonstration, which was largely peaceful. Some rocks were thrown at the nearby headquarters of a rival party, but this was an isolated incident and there were no injuries.

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-elections phase. UNPol, PNTL and the Formed Police Units remain deployed and are on stand-by for any post-elections clashes or victory processions. The ISF are also on stand-by, ready to be deployed upon request.

The Police advise to avoid traveling 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.