East Timor deaths embarrass nation

http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=29&ContentID=30516

East Timor’s new president Jose Ramos Horta says the nation’s police force continues to suffer from a lack of discipline, after officers allegedly shot dead two activists during rallies for a new party headed by former East Timor president Xanana Gusmao.

Saying the deaths had embarrassed the nation, Ramos Horta declared those responsible should receive “severe punishment”.

The United Nations today stepped up security in Viqueque, south east of Dili, amid rising tensions after the deaths of the two men, supporters of Gusmao’s party, the National Congress for Reconstruction of Timor-Leste (CNRT).

UN Police fired warning shots and tear gas in Viqueque market yesterday afternoon after fighting broke out between CNRT supporters and opponents, following a CNRT rally in the Fretilin-stronghold.

One man, Alfonso “Kuda Lay” Guterres, died after he was allegedly shot by an off-duty Timorese police officer.

Another CNRT supporter, 24, was shot dead and a 16-year-old youth injured shortly after, as a group of CNRT supporters, accompanied by the former president, attempted to return the dead man’s body to Ossu.

“Initial reports indicate that PNTL (East Timor police) fired shots to control a crowd at a roadblock near Ossu,” the acting head of the UN’s mission in East Timor, Eric Tan said.

The Australian-led international stabilisation force has deployed a platoon to the region.