ABC

East Timor govt hopeful of Reinado resolution

Last Updated 24/01/2008, 22:14:58

East Timor's fugitive rebel leader Alfredo Reinado has refused to attend a scheduled court hearing to face murder and other charges related to a deadly outbreak of violence in 2006.

Mr Reinado escaped from jail in the capital, Dili, in August 2006 and has been on the run ever since.

His trial has been delayed until March 3, after he failed to show up in court to face multiple charges, including eight counts of murder, relating to the violence in 2006 that plunged the country into crisis.

East Timor's state secretary for security, Francisco De Costa Gutteres, has told Radio Australia's Stephanie March the government thinks the situation with Reinado can still be resolved peacefully.

"One positive thing that I see from Alfredo is his willingness to submit to the dialogue," he said.

"He decided everything should be resolved through the dialogue."

The prosecutor played the court a one hour video featuring Mr Reinado wearing a military uniform and denouncing the government led Task Force set up to resolve his case.

Mr Reinado has communicated through his lawyers and the media that he will not face justice until the government meets certain demands, including reinstating him and his followers back into the military.

It's the second time the trial has been postponed.

You can find the full story at the Connect Asia website: http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/connectasia

EAST TIMOR: Government seeks negotiations with Reinado - 24/01/2008

East Timorese fugitive Alfredo Reinado is due to face court today to face multiple charges, including eight counts of murder, relating to the violence in 2006 that plunged the country into crisis. But according to his lawyers he won't be appearing in court until the government meets certain demands, including accepting him and the 600 deserting soldiers back into the military.

Presenter - Stephanie March Speaker - Francisco De Costa Gutteres is the State Secretary for Security.

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