Two die in E. Timor clash

LIQUICA, East Timor: Two men were killed in a clash between prointegration and proindependence groups over the weekend. Ten others were injured and eight homes were set on fire.

The fatalities were identified as Francisco of Vatubou village in Maubara district and Felis of Dato village in Liquica district.

Their affiliations were not known.

Military command chief Capt. Purwanto said the clash began on Saturday when the home of a military command member was set on fire by a proindependence group. The home of a Liquica official also was ransacked, he said.

On Sunday he said a quarrel started between members of both groups. About 25 members of the Red-and-White Iron (BMP) prointegration group requested protection from the military command.

He added the proindependence group attacked the Vatubou village, and the BMP retaliated.

Thousands of villagers fled, with about 1,000 taking refuge at the local church, as well as the military command and the home of regent Leonito Martins. Hundreds of others have fled to the cover of forests, and activities in Liquica have stopped.

Local priest Rafael dos Santos regretted the military also fired shots, causing panic among residents. "I'm confused because the military is supposed to be neutral," he said.

At night, BMP members were reportedly joined by the police and the military on patrol. (33)