Timor-Leste rebels surrender arms

FT
By UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL
Published June 16, 2006


DILI, Timor-Leste -- Responding to an appeal from the president of Timor-Leste, rebel leaders say their troops have started handing over their weapons to foreign peacekeepers.

Alfredo Reinado, the rebels' leader, said he has pledged loyalty to President Xanana Gusmao and will comply with a request to disarm, reports the BBC.

However, the report said the rebels have not relented on their opposition to Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri. The prime minister is accused of dismissing 600 soldiers, an act blamed for the recent fighting between loyal troops and rebel soldiers in Dili.

More than 2,200 foreign peacekeepers are helping to maintain order in the capital, the BBC report said.

While the arms handover has started, the report said it was not clear how many weapons are with the rebels.

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