In Dili last night, the five individuals were handed over by the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) to United Nations police officers (UNPol) who formally arrested them and produced them before the Dili District Court.

The Court ordered that they be remanded in UNPol custody for the night and appear again before the Court at 10 o'clock this morning.

The Secretary-General's Special Representative in Timor-Leste, Mr Atul Khare, stated that this process demonstrates once more the national authorities' commitment to the rule of law. He also communicated to Interim President de Araujo and to Prime Minister Gusmão his appreciation for the efforts of the PNTL, and all others involved in making this peaceful submission to justice possible.

"The PNTL and UNPol along with the Falantil-Armed Forces of Timor-Leste (F-FDTL) and the International Security Forces are all playing a role in operations to apprehend those involved in attacks by Reinado and his men," Mr Khare stated. He reiterated his earlier call on all those involved in the attacks to peacefully submit to justice.

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