An Australian coroner investigating the killing of a British journalist during Indonesia’s 1975 invasion of East Timor invited a former military commander to testify about the circumstances of his death.

The commander of rebels in a conflict with East Timor’s government said the insurgents would hand over weapons to international peacekeepers today, after being asked to disarm by President Xanana Gusmao.

A United Nations refugee chief warned today that violence could spill into squalid camps where tens of thousands of East Timorese tried to escape chaos in the capital, as the prime minister blamed former members of pro-Indonesia militias for some attacks.

INDEPENDENCE hero and former guerrilla fighter President Xanana Gusmao yesterday urged warring factions to end the violence ripping through East Timor’s capital.

Independence hero and former guerrilla fighter President Xanana Gusmao today urged warring factions to end violence ripping through East Timor’s capital, while ex-soldiers whose rebellion triggered the broad mayhem offered peace talks.

Fifteen prelates from around the world joined the elite College of Cardinals in the Vatican today, becoming the newest advisers to the Pope who one day will be called on to elect his successor.

EAST TIMOR yesterday put aside its economic woes to celebrate the country’s first anniversary with patriotic songs, parades and a moment of silence for those killed during Indonesia’s brutal 24-year rule.

Denis Halliday, a former assistant secretary-general of the United Nations, has described the Government as "gutless" for its failure to oppose the planned US/British war against Iraq.

Newly released US government documents have proven that the US administration approved Indonesia’s bloody and murderous invasion of East Timor in 1975.

The United Nations says its facilities in East Timor could easily cope with the 460 immigrants stranded on a cargo ship off Australia.

Shell is planning to build the world's first floating liquefied natural gas plant.