|
|
|
|
Media release
|
 |
| U.N. Police from Malaysia guard
against angry Fretilin party supporters in Dili August 7, 2007. Photo Credit: REUTERS/LIRIO DA FONSECA |
Sporadic acts of violence continue in East Timor following the announcement on 6th August, that Mr Xanana Gusmao and his new party CNRT will form a coalition government in East Timor. As expected following this announcement, indiscriminate acts of violence broke out in different parts of East Timor.
Government buildings or organizations deemed to be in close association with the new government have been targeted. Some of the violence has been instigated in response to the decision to appoint Gusmao but other proponents of the acts of property destruction appear opportunistic and instigated by criminal elements.
Internally Displaced Persons camps currently served by the Caritas partners are also seeing significant unrest and destruction.
In Baucau, the destruction has been more targeted and significant. Church properties have been targeted and burnt and three government buildings. A rice store was also destroyed. In Oecussi the district offices have also been attacked.
In Dili, most of the city has been left unscathed, acts of destruction and violence have arisen in different parts of the city though generally these have been isolated incidents that have quickly dissipated.
The destructive behaviour consists largely of rock throwing at vehicles, looting and burning of some government and Church buildings particularly in Baucau. There are no reports of deaths with 8 people injured according to the UN.
The violence has continued through until today Thursday 9th August. The inauguration of the new government was held yesterday and further violent incidents have occurred since then.
Caritas Australia’s East Timor Country representative Mark Green has described the situation as tense and volatile. It is thought that the UNPOL and the UN International Stabilisation Force (ISF) is stretched in its capacity, currently it is unclear whether they have enough numbers to contain the situation in Baucau and in the districts.
Caritas Partners
CRS’ Baucau office has been confirmed to have been attacked and burnt to the ground. The offices of the Caritas of the Baucau Diocese were also attacked on 7th August.
Unconfirmed rumours are circulating that lists of the names of individual priests exist targeting them or their property for attack. On the morning of 8th August, a number of priests took refuge in the Baucau cathedral compound.
It is believed that the staff of Caritas network members and partners are all safe and taking appropriate security precautions. Caritas Australia’s office staff were sent home on 6th August and have only returned to protect assets.
Mark Green, Caritas Australia’s East Timor Director said “whilst the situation here is tense, we remain hopeful that the sporadic violence will soon cease. Caritas Australia is committed to the people of East Timor and we will continue to work to build a stronger and more productive country in partnership with them”.
A meeting of Non Government Organisation heads will be held in Dili today, the 9th August to assess the situation and needs of the people and recommence the rehabilitation process.
Media contact
To speak with Mark Green, Caritas Australia’s Country Director in East Timor, contact Tim O’Connor 0417 284 831 or +0011 (0)2 9923 3400.
Find out what Caritas Australia is doing in East
Timor>>
Back to top