Australians should reconsider need to travel to Timor-Leste: government

The Australian government Thursday advised its citizens to reconsider their need to travel to Timor-Leste amid "uncertain security situation" following the renewed violence, which broke out Tuesday night.

Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said earlier in the day that four people are likely to have died in the violence in Timor-Leste capital of Dili, in which several people were also injured as hundreds were involved.

An Australian man has been evacuated from Dili after being caught up in the violence.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Thursday reissued its travel advisory for Timor-Leste, telling Australians to reconsider their need to travel to the country.

However, the overall level of the advisory has not changed.

"We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Timor-Leste at this time because of the uncertain security situation," DFAT said.

"There is an international security presence in Timor-Leste, which has improved the security environment, although further violence and demonstrations cannot be ruled out," it said.

It said the situation could change without notice and Australians could be caught up in any violence directed at others.

"Australians and Australian interests may be specifically targeted and we advise all Australians to exercise extreme caution," it said.

DFAT said Australians should avoid areas around the Comoro airport due to the high risk of gang related violence.

"You should maintain a high level of personal security awareness and avoid any minor disputes or other incidents that may occur as they have the potential to escalate," it said.

Source: Xinhua