Radio Australia - 05/04/2007, 15:35Security forces in East Timor have confiscated dozens of weapons in a bid to quell political violence, ahead of next Monday's presidential election. Anne Barker reports from Dili, political tensions have sparked a spate of clashes across Dili as East Timorese prepare to vote for a new president. More than 30 people were injured in various incidents between mobs of youths returning home from political rallies on Wednesday. Security forces have confiscated a range of weapons, including knives and homemade darts and one pistol. They have described the violence as only low-level exuberance between rival supporters and say they are not worried about security before or during Monday's poll. There are nearly 3,000 international police and soldiers in Dili and many outer districts. Electoral commission targeted East Timor's National Electoral Commission has been targeted by violence. The Commission, which has responsibility for running the election, says four men burst into its offices yesterday afternoon, threatening staff with sticks. It says it is fearful for security both during and after Monday's vote. UN appeal for peaceful elections The UN Security Council has appealed to all parties in East Timor to ensure that "free, fair and peaceful elections" take place next week. In a statement read by Britain's UN ambassador Emyr Jones Parry, the council chair this month, the 15-member body expressed "full support" for the polls scheduled for next Monday. Council members described the polls as "a significant milestone in the democratic process in the country" and urged all parties "to adhere to the principle of non-violence and to democratic and legal processes to ensure that the upcoming presidential elections have a unifying impact and contribute to bring the people of Timor together." The council appealed to all Timorese parties "to ensure that free, fair and peaceful elections take place."
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Radio Australia - 05/04/2007, 15:35Security forces in East Timor have confiscated dozens of weapons in a bid to quell political violence, ahead of next Monday's presidential election. Anne Barker reports from Dili, political tensions have sparked a spate of clashes across Dili as East Timorese prepare to vote for a new president. More than 30 people were injured in various incidents between mobs of youths returning home from political rallies on Wednesday. Security forces have confiscated a range of weapons, including knives and homemade darts and one pistol. They have described the violence as only low-level exuberance between rival supporters and say they are not worried about security before or during Monday's poll. There are nearly 3,000 international police and soldiers in Dili and many outer districts. Electoral commission targeted East Timor's National Electoral Commission has been targeted by violence. The Commission, which has responsibility for running the election, says four men burst into its offices yesterday afternoon, threatening staff with sticks. It says it is fearful for security both during and after Monday's vote. UN appeal for peaceful elections The UN Security Council has appealed to all parties in East Timor to ensure that "free, fair and peaceful elections" take place next week. In a statement read by Britain's UN ambassador Emyr Jones Parry, the council chair this month, the 15-member body expressed "full support" for the polls scheduled for next Monday. Council members described the polls as "a significant milestone in the democratic process in the country" and urged all parties "to adhere to the principle of non-violence and to democratic and legal processes to ensure that the upcoming presidential elections have a unifying impact and contribute to bring the people of Timor together." The council appealed to all Timorese parties "to ensure that free, fair and peaceful elections take place."