U.N. security force quells clash between East Timorese gangs

04/30/2000

LISBON, Portugal (AP) - United Nations police and troops were deployed in the East Timorese capital Dili to quell violent street clashes between rival gangs of youths Sunday, news reports said.

At least four people were hurt and unconfirmed reports said one person was killed, according to the Portuguese news agency Lusa. There was no information on the identities of the injured.

The United Nations administration in the territory advised foreign residents and U.N. staff to stay indoors as hundreds of stone-throwing youths with machetes and sticks skirmished across the city for about two hours, Lusa said.

The clashes petered out as night fell, Lisbon radio TSF reported.

Brawls first broke out at a soccer stadium where a martial arts demonstration was taking place, Lusa said.

Portuguese police and Brazilian soldiers reportedly moved in after the clashes spread to surrounding streets.

The United Nations took over the administration of East Timor after a referendum voted for independence last year. The world body is expected to guide the country to independence in two to three years.

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