Dili, Timor-Leste – Representatives from five political parties met yesterday in Ermera district to discuss how best to prevent further violence in the area during and after the election period.

Also in the meeting were representatives from the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor (UNMIT), UNPol, PNTL, and the Ministry of Labour. Local officials also took part.

The outcome of the meeting was a commitment to more dialogue aimed at specific trouble-spots and solving specific issues. Party representatives also pledged to call for calm in their communities upon their return from the meeting, and urged people not to involve local problems in national politics.

The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Security Sector Support and Rule of Law, Mr. Eric Tan, welcomed the outcome, urging locals to solve their problems by talking rather than fighting.

"Competition between individuals and parties is understandable," he said. "But it must be peaceful."

The Presidents of PUN and PNRT, national leaders of PD and CNRT, and the FRETILIN District Co-ordinator all spoke at the meeting condemning violence and calling for the people in Ermera to respect the rights of everyone in the community, regardless of their political background.

The parties also agreed that people must uphold the rule of law at all times, and that popular justice was not a solution to individual disputes. All representatives also called for individuals committing crimes to be arrested.

The Deputy PNTL General Commander, Hermenegildo da Cruz, reassured those present that the police will use all their available resources to guarantee security during and after elections.

"The police serve the people," he added. "However, we need the cooperation of the people for us to do our jobs".

Since campaigning for the Parliamentary elections began on 29 May 2007, there have been several serious security incidents in Ermera sub-district and Hatolia B areas, including a stabbing incident and the damaging of a considerable number of houses.

For further information please contact UNMIT spokesperson Allison Cooper on +670 7230453