Party leaders visit former East Timor minister in jail East Timor

ABC Radio Australia
Leaders of East Timor's ruling political party have visited a former cabinet minister jailed for weapons offences.

Fretilin party president, Francisco Guterres, visited former home affairs minister Rogerio Lobato, who began his jail sentence last week.

Mr Lobato lost an appeal against his conviction for distributing weapons to civilians during last year's deadly unrest.

Mr Guterres, who was accompanied by former prime minister Mari Alkatiri and other party leaders, says Mr Lobato was in good health.

He added that Mr Lobato's position as deputy president of the party will be discussed at a party meeting on Saturday.

Mr Alkatiri was forced to resign over his alleged role in the May unrest, in which at least 37 people were killed.

Newly-elected President, Jose Ramos-Horta, has pledged to unite the country and help restore security.