East Timor: HC urges calm after referendum

The High Commissioner Sadako Ogata has urged all East Timorese to refrain from violence and remain calm in the wake of Monday's referendum, irrespective of the ballot's results. The High Commissioner says more violence would trigger further displacement.

Tens of thousands of pro-independence East Timorese were displaced as a result of violent attacks by anti-independence militias in the weeks preceding the referendum. Over the past few days there has been limited movement of opponents of independence Dili in East Timor towards Kupang and Atambua in West Timor. The displaced are hosted by relatives for the time being.