E Timor appeals for UN help. 06/05/2006. ABC News Online

The United Nations (UN) Security Council has begun debating whether to offer additional assistance to East Timor.

East Timor Foreign Minister Jose Ramos-Horta has appeared before the Security Council, pleading for a small international police force to be sent to his country.

It follows riots last week that led to the deaths of five people and forced at least 14,000 people to flee the capital, Dili.

Protesters burned cars, threw rocks at police and officers fired into the crowd after the cash-strapped East Timor government dismissed 594 soldiers.

"The decision is in your hands and this decision will decisively influence the course of events in my country, for good or for bad," Mr Ramos-Horta said.

Australian ambassador to the UN Robert Hill says East Timor's request must be considered.

"He's clearly concerned about the potential for disruption during the course of the election, which is next year, some little way off," he said.

East Timor said yesterday it would not be making a request for Australian military assistance, despite Prime Minister John Howard saying he would be willing to send troops to help subdue escalating tensions.

The country became independent four years ago after centuries of Portuguese colonial rule, 24 years of occupation by Indonesia and two-and-a-half years of UN administration.

UN peacekeepers left a year ago and the UN mission, which once numbered 11,000 troops and civilians, was scaled back to 130 administrators, police and military advisers.

The mission is now scheduled to shut down on May 20 and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has recommended it be replaced by a small team of civilian advisers and trainers.