UNPol in East Timor Security Briefing 23 July 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 across the country has generally been calm.

However, there were several incidents of disorder in Dili last night. Last night, UNPol and Formed Police Units, supported by the International Stabilisation Forces, responded to incidents of rock throwing, fighting, and illegal roadblocks. The disturbances were concentrated around Vila Verde, Matadoro, Balide, Fatumeta, Fatuhada, Bairo Pite, Comoro Bridge, and Lisbutak. The police and the ISF managed to bring the situation under control by 0215hrs. Two UN vehicles were damaged in the process, one in Fatumeta and one in Lisbutak.

Separately, a small gas cylinder exploded in the Heliport compound at 2010hrs. Police are looking into the cause of the explosion.

In total, 13 people were arrested in Dili yesterday, mostly for identification purposes in connection with public disturbances.

Today in Dili district, the situation has been calm, and UNPol were only required to attend four incidents. In one of the incidents, an unidentified group threw rocks at a UN truck removing disused tyres that were used in illegal barricades last night. The windscreen of the truck and the glass in its front door were smashed, but there was no injury to the driver.

Yesterday in Ermera, there were also two incidents of rock throwing.

At 0025hrs, police received reports of burning tires on Gleno market bridge. Police cleared the road blocks, but one police vehicle was damaged by rocks whilst on patrol in the market area. The case is being investigated.

In Potete village, Ermera, the Suco chief was injured when rocks were thrown at his house. His injuries are minor. PNTL have identified suspects and are looking into the case.

In Liquica, the UNPol investigator into the murder of three women on 6 January 2007 in Kaitos Aldea, met with local police and confirmed that ten suspects have been identified and arrested. The case is now in court awaiting trial.

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-polling phase. UNPol, PNTL and Formed Police Units remain deployed and are on stand-by for any post-polling clashes or victory processions. The International Stabilisation Forces are also on stand-by, ready to be deployed on request.

The police would also like to remind the people of Timor-Leste that they require valid driving licenses before they are allowed to drive on the roads. All vehicles should also display valid license plates. These measures are in place to help ensure road safety.

The Police advise to avoid traveling during the night to the most affected areas. Report any suspicious activities and avoid traveling the areas affected by disturbances. Call 112 or 7230365 to contact the police 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

This has been a daily broadcast of the UN Police in Timor-Leste, for the people of Timor-Leste.