26 June 2006, Dili - As a large number of demonstrators moved into Dili, Sukehiro Hasegawa, the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) in Timor-Leste, delivered a message on behalf of Secretary-General Kofi Annan in which he called upon the political leaders of Timor-Leste to ensure that their followers and supporters restrain themselves from any behavior that might result in violence.
SRSG Hasegawa said, "The leaders of political parties have the responsibility to restrain their followers from engaging in any act of violence, as they exercise their freedom to assemble and the right to demonstrate in public."
The SRSG said he had received assurances from Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri, that he had issued instructions to his supporters to stay away from opposing demonstrators. The SRSG also said he had received separate assurances from the office of President Xanana Gusm=E3o, that the Timorese will continue to exercise peacefully their right to freedom of expression.
An Australian defense force representative to the United Nations Office in Timor-Leste indicated that the Joint Task Force has taken measures to ensure that the demonstrators remain separated.
For additional information, please contact:
Donna Cusumano, Chief, Public Information Office, UNOTIL; +670 723 0749 or Spokesperson Robert Sullivan at 670 331-2210, extension 5165