August 7 2007, Dili – The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Timor-Leste Atul Khare has condemned the sporadic violence in Dili following the announcement of the new Government yesterday afternoon.

Mr Khare, who characterized the violence as sporadic and isolated, stated strongly that any political party supporters engaging in acts of violence will be treated as criminals and swiftly dealt with.

In a meeting this morning with the Secretary-General of Fretilin, Mari Alkatiri, and in line with all meetings with political leaders throughout the entire electoral process, Mr Khare requested Mr Alkatiri's support in keeping the situation calm.

"Mr Alkatiri told me he had received delegations of people over the past day and had reminded those people that burning buildings and throwing rocks is unacceptable," Mr Khare said.

United Nations police officers (UNPol) along with the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) and the International Security Forces have been working to contain the violence that is mostly comprised of rock throwing, road blocks and some arson.

UNPol, PNTL, the ISF and the Falintil Force for the Defence of Timor-Leste (F-FDTL) are collectively providing static security at various key locations around Dili.