State of emergency extended in East Timor

from AlertNet

East Timor's parliament approved an extension of the state of emergency until Feb. 23 as Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao called for calm on Wednesday following an assassination attempt on President Jose Ramos-Horta.

Ramos-Horta was critically wounded by gunfire from rebel soldiers early on Monday, while Gusmao escaped unhurt in a separate attack on his motorcade.

Some analysts had said East Timor could suffer further violence and political chaos after the attack on Ramos-Horta in which rebel leader Alfredo Reinado died. Australia sent troops to Dili this week to enforce a state of emergency and help with security.

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