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Statement by Dr José Ramos-Horta, 5 May 2006
I wish to reassure the international community that Dili is calm.
There have been no incidents since the riots of last Friday that
followed the street demonstration by former soldiers.
Democracy is still young in our country and people react fearfully
to incidents by leaving the city.
I have assured the residents of Dili that it is safe to return
home and to their place of work.
The Commission of Investigation that I announced in response
to the riots was formally sworn in in Dili this morning. This
Commission has all the necessary powers to investigate fairly
the grievances of the former soldiers.
This morning President Xanana Gusmao and Prime Minister Mari
Alkatiri called an informal meeting with the media and urged them
to check facts before reporting rumours.
The Prime Minister has also instructed government employees to
return to work by Monday morning or face disciplinary procedures.
It should be noted that last Friday's demonstration and the rampage
which followed lasted for only a few hours. In total, 45 houses
were burned down and116 partially destroyed. There have been five
confirmed deaths.
José Ramos-Horta
Senior Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
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