Security concerns overshadow anniversary

East Timor's president marked the tiny country's third anniversary today with a sombre speech warning that patience and sacrifice are still needed in the face of a moribund economy, stifling poverty and a declining UN presence.

President Xanana Gusmao - a former freedom fighter jailed by Indonesia during its 24-year occupation - told thousands of citizens gathered at a soccer stadium in the capital Dili they should be proud of their country, but that "much more needs to be done" after gaining independence in 2002.