Dili quiet but fears of further violence remain
A majority of East Timorese are yet to return to the capital Dili following the April 28 riots. The riots were sparked by the sacking of six hundred soldiers. At least five people were killed and most fled the capital to avoid the violence. Renewed security concerns centre around the conference of the ruling Fretilin party to be held between May 17th-19th. During the conference it is expected that there may be new candidates standing against senior Fretilin leaders. East Timor’s foreign minister told the media last Friday that they “don’t need a peace keeping force because there is no war in East Timor.” But despite this Australia has stationed two naval vessels off Darwin where they could reach Dili in 45 minutes in the event of further rioting.