UNPol in East Timor Security Briefing 9 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 remains tense.

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

Today in Dili, there were no reports of serious security incidents. There was one confirmed case of two individuals fighting, but they ran away upon the arrival of the police.

In the area between Comoro Market and Pantai Kelapa, police conducted an operation targeting people who have been throwing stones at passing vehicles. 14 people were arrested and charged.

Yesterday in Dili district, police continued to receive reports of rock throwing and public disturbances, mostly at night. A total of 19 people were arrested. 11 UN cars were damaged throughout the day.

In Baucau yesterday, there were several cases of arson, rock throwing and illegal roadblocks. The most affected subdistricts were Baucau, Venilale and Quelicai. The situation yesterday in Viqueque was also volatile, with numerous incidents of arson and stone throwing. The worst affected areas were Watulari and Viqueque subdistricts where 110 houses were burnt. Initial indications are that the cause was longstanding ethnic tensions.

In Oecussi, the subdistrict administration building was burnt down early yesterday morning.

In a press conference today, the Head of the UN in Timor-Leste, Atul Khare, 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.