General warns of provocative news

DILI, East Timor: The Udayana regional military chief, Maj. Gen. Abdul Rivai, warned the press over the weekend against "provocative" reporting on issues surrounding the troubled territory.

"It doesn't have to be about the good side of an issue but never disseminate provocative news," said Rivai, who oversees security in East Timor, Nusa Tanggara and Bali.

Rivai called journalists in the youngest province his "partners" in disseminating information about happenings in East Timor.

The general's statement came as the capital was returning to normal after four days of bloody street brawls involving anti- and pro-government groups in which two people were killed and more than 120 people arrested.

He said settlement of the numerous problems in East Timor requires the hard work of not only the government but also others such as the press, Antara reported. (pan)