East Timor rebel speaks

March 04, 2007

Rebel leader in East Timor refuses to surrender to international forces after raiding police post. The standoff between rebel and government troops has raised fears of violence in the country ahead of a presidential election next month. Indonesia has temporarily closed its border with East Timor to prevent Alfredo Reinado and his group sneaking into Indonesian territory at the request of East Timor's government. Australia has warned of increased violence ahead of the poll after clashes between its peacekeepers and East Timorese refugees left two civilians dead last month.