East Timorese Foreign Affairs Minister Jose Ramos Horta says more than 100 youths have surrendered to police, after the weekend's riot which saw five people killed.

Dr Ramos-Horta, who is visiting Australia to promote a mountain-bike race being held in East Timor this August, says while peace is holding, it is fragile.

He has spoken with Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer to garner support for the request he will make to the United Nations later this week - to extend its mission to East Timor, which expires later this month.

Dr Ramos-Horta says the riot in Dili has had a negative impact on the four-year-old country.

"It's disheartening for the country .... it undermines our efforts to bring in investment and tourism and all of that," he said.

The unrest broke out during a march on Friday in support of nearly 600 soldiers who were sacked in March for deserting, amid complaints over discrimination between those from the east and west of East Timor.

ABC Asia Pacific TV / Radio Australia