UNPol in East Timor Security Briefing 20 June 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 been calm.

Today in Dili, UNPol conducted 41 patrols and were required to attend four incidents. One incident was the movement of about 300 political party supporters to the airport to greet the arrival of their party president. On the way, there were some altercations with the inmates of the Airport IDP camp, but the heavy presence of UNPol, Formed Police Units and ISF prevented the situation from escalating into serious violence.

In Ermera, at around midnight yesterday, an unknown group attacked ten PNTL officers who were on mobile patrol in the vicinity of Gleno market.  One PNTL officer was hit on the head by a rock, and sustained serious injuries. He has been transported to Dili Hospital for further medical attention. An investigation is in progress.

In Covalima yesterday, at around 1030hrs, UNPOL received reports of a 23-year-old man being attacked by eight other men in the sub-village of Maucatar.  The victim received minor injuries to his hand and forehead. PNTL and UNPol have arrested the suspects and are looking into the facts of the case.

Campaigning continues across the country today. Thirteen political rallies were reported to have taken place yesterday, and there were no reports of any associated security incidents.

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