UNPol in East Timor Security Briefing 8 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 during the last 24 hours remained volatile, particularly in Dili, Baucau and Viqeuque.

The swearing-in ceremony of the new Prime Minister was held today in Dili without any major security problems.

In other parts of Dili, UNPol attended to 10 incidents, most of which involved rock throwing and the burning of tyres. The incidents mostly took place around the airport roundabout, Pantai Kelapa, and Bebonuk. In Pantai Kelapa, an F-FDTL soldier fired a warning shot into the air to disperse crowds at around 0900hrs.

In Loro Mata, police conducted an operation at around 1150hrs, and arrested 11 people. Two further arrests were made later in the day.

Yesterday in Dili district, UNPol responded to numerous reports of rock throwing and public disturbances. 25 UN vehicles were damaged, and a total of 29 people were arrested, mostly in relation to rock throwing and assault. Last night was quieter than previous nights.

In Baucau yesterday, illegal road blocks were set up in several locations, particularly around Gariuai village in Baucau subdistrict and Bercoli village in Venilale subdistrict. Police responded to all reports and have cleared most of the roads.

At least seven buildings in Baucau, including three government facilities, three non-government organization offices and one court, as well as seven private houses in Viqueque, have been set on fire.  Other violence has included widespread stoning of vehicles and buildings.

United Nations police officers (UNPol) in conjunction with the national police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) and the International Security Forces (ISF) have been fully deployed to contain and put a stop to the violence.

Approximately 155 tear gas shells have been used along with rubber bullets to disperse the groups involved.  Four UNPol officers havebeen injured, one seriously and he will be airlifted to Darwin tonight. An additional formed police platoon was sent to Baucau today as reinforcement.

Since yesterday, 45 people have been arrested for their participation in the violence in Baucau.

The Head of the UN in Timor-Leste, Atul Khare, has strongly condemned the violence, stating that is regrettably being committed by people who claim an allegiance to Fretilin.

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.