As revolts in support of a fugitive rebel leader spread across
East Timor, the country's president activated emergency powers
Monday in a move to quell the civil unrest.
Security in the fledgling Asian nation worsened following a
pre-dawn assault by international troops backed by helicopters on
Sunday on Alfredo Reinado's mountain hideout, killing four
insurgents and sending others fleeing into the jungle.
Reinado, heavily armed and sought on murder charges, succeeded
in escaping.
"The state will use all legal means, including force, to stop
violence and prevent destruction of property and killing, and to
restore law and order," President Xanana Gusmao announced in a
national address, allowing peacekeepers and police full authority
to carry out arrests and searches without warrants. Special powers
were also extended to them to break up public gatherings.
East Timor, one of the world's youngest and poorest nations, has
still not fully recovered following factional fighting last May
which killed at least 37 people and caused a human exodus of over
150,000.
Following the intervention of a 2,700-strong force led by
Australia which led to a new government being established, order
seemed to be restored but violence has flared anew of late between
rival gangs ahead of next month's presidential elections.?
Looting, robbery, arson, assault and attacks on vehicles have
also become widespread as the situation continues to
deteriorate.
Public outcry against a foreign military presence was also
exacerbated after Australian soldiers shot dead two Timorese men
last month with rock-hurling protesters demanding on Monday that
international forces leave the country.
Hundreds barricaded roads with burning tires and concrete blocks
across the capital, Dili. A banner could be seen, carrying the
slogan: "We, the young people, are prepared to die alongside
Alfredo."
Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said nonessential
government staff would be evacuated and added that Australians
stood at risk of being attacked after the shooting incident. "The
security situation is volatile and there is a high risk of violent
civil unrest," he said in a statement.
Downer renewed calls for Reinado to surrender, claiming that he
would otherwise be captured by Australian forces.
The US has advised steering clear of the town of Same, about 50
kilometers south of Dili, where the raid was conducted.
Reinado, who deserted the army with a force of 600 other
soldiers early last year and who has been under constant scrutiny
by Australian forces since then, threatened to wage war against the
government after Sunday's raid, an aide said.
(China Daily via Agencies March 6, 2007)
