UNMIT Weekly Security Bulletin 14-21 May 2008

UNMIT Weekly Security Bulletin 14-21 May 2008 - 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 remains generally good with people enjoying independence day events across the country,

The Restoration of Independence Day on May 20 attracted large crowds in Dili. Both UNPol and PNTL officers provided security and there were no serious incidents reported. On Saturday evening, a free rock concert in Dili attracted a crowd of 50,000 people.

The return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their homes continues with the Jardim IDP camp at the Seaport in Dili closing today. About 350 families are due to move back to their homes over the next few days. It is the third camp to close in Dili in as many weeks. The first was the Seminario Maior Fatumeta Camp and the second was the National Hospital camp.

8692 families have registered their intent to return to their communities. Each of the returning families will receive a recovery grant from the Ministry of Social Solidarity to help them rebuild or repair their home and each person, including children, will also receive 16 kg of rice. The next camps to be assisted to return will be Sional and Hera Port.

UNPol and PNTL officers are monitoring security incidents associated with the returns through the National Community and Humanitarian Policing Unit. Peace talks between returnees and their home communities continue.

Across the country, there have been 36 security incidents and 68 arrests over the past week. The majority of these were public disturbances and assaults.

There have been no serious security incidents reported at Aitarak-laran where the Petitioners are being accommodated.

Please report any suspicious activities.  You can call 112 or 7230365 to contact the police 24 hours a day, seven days a week.