Fed: Fretilin condemns attacks on Horta, Gusmao

AAP General News (Australia)
02-11-2008
Fed: Fretilin condemns attacks on Horta, Gusmao

CANBERRA, Feb 11 AAP - East Timor's Fretilin political party has condemned today's
rebel attacks on President Jose Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao.

Fretilin secretary-general Mari Alkatiri, a former prime minister of East Timor, today
pledged full cooperation with security agencies to maintain peace and stability following
the attacks.

Rebel leader Alfredo Reinado was shot dead by guards during the pre-dawn raid on Mr
Ramos-Horta's house.

"We are shocked that this has happened, if the media reports are true," Mr Alkatiri
said in a statement.

"This comes as a total surprise given the recent positive developments, as a result
of the president's tireless efforts to find a mechanism of national political consensus
to find solutions to the critical issues that are faced by our country."

Mr Ramos-Horta was wounded in the attack and is undergoing surgery at an Australian
military base after being shot in stomach, said a presidential adviser.

The wound suffered by the president appeared serious, neighbour Januario Freitas told Reuters.

"President Ramos-Horta was shot in the stomach and is undergoing surgery at the heliport,"

Agusto Junior, a presidential adviser, told reporters.

There was speculation he would be flown to Australia - probably Darwin - for further treatment.

The Associated Press, quoting local TV, also reported rebels had carried out a failed
attack on the home of Mr Gusmao.

Details of the attack on Mr Ramos-Horta's home and the number of casualties remained unclear.

Mr Alkatiri said Fretilin was concerned at the apparent ease by which gunmen were able
to access the residences of Mr Ramos-Horta and Mr Gusmao.

He demanded an explanation for the security breach from the United Nations Mission
in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) and the Australian-led International Stabilisation Force.

"We demand answers as to how these breaches in security could possibly happen if the
reports are proven to be true," Mr Alkatiri said.

AAP dcr/rl/maur/de

KEYWORD: TIMOR FRETILIN

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