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> Aussie journalist caught up in Timor violence. 23/05/2006. ABC News Online
> [This is the print version of story http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200605/s1645522.htm]
> Last Update: Tuesday, May 23, 2006. 5:04pm (AEST)

> Unrest ... it is feared 2 soldiers have been killed. (File photo) (Reuters) |

> # Aussie journalist caught up in Timor violence

> An Australian journalist has been caught up in new violence in East Timor's capital Dili.

> Australian consular officials are preparing to send an armoured vehicle to rescue David O'Shea, from the SBS program, Dateline.

> It is understood shooting broke out this morning between East Timorese troops and a rebel group at Becora, on Dili's outskirts.

> It is feared two soldiers may have been killed and another two injured.

> Mr O'Shea is now in a secure location and waiting for assistance from Australian officials.

> The executive producer of Dateline, Mike Carey, says Mr O'Shea has not been injured.

> "He went out to interview a renegade policeman this morning just on the outskirts of Dili and he was interviewing ... and just about to finish the interview and shooting started," he said.

> "Troops loyal to the Government were firing upon these rebel policeman."

> Australia's Ambassador to East Timor, Margaret Twomey, has spoken to the offices of East Timor's Prime Minister and President, appealing for their help to ensure Mr O'Shea's safety.

> A Dili-based journalist says soldiers and police had gone to the area to control violence between civilians that had broken out in recent days.

> It is understood the unrest is away from the city centre, where mass riots two weeks ago left five people dead and buildings torched.

> Australia sent Navy ships to northern waters in case the East Timorese Government requests help.

> The Foreign Affairs Minister, Alexander Downer, has told Parliament the Government has been receiving reports that parts of Dili and other areas have descended into violence.

> The Minister says there are reports of injury and property damage.

> Mr Downer has also told Parliament an independent commission investigating the grievances of hundreds of sacked East Timorese soldiers needs to report back quickly.

> "We encourage all parties to resolve their differences in a manner consistent with the rule of law, with democracy and with international norms of human rights," he said.

> "Rebel military and security personnel must cease destabilising the situation and work with the Government to resolve their differences."

> He says Australia is ready to help if the East Timorese Government or the United Nations requests assistance.

> "We've pre-positioned some military assets in northern Australia, including naval vessels, aircraft and even some troops to enable a rapid response to assist with evacuation or some other form of assistance if it's required," he said.

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