East Timor political groups in bloody clashes

Hundreds of young men supporting rival political parties clashed in East Timor’s capital today, the final day of campaigning for next week’s presidential elections.

UN peacekeepers fired in the air and waved batons to disperse crowds of shouting youths – some with faces painted the colours of political parties - only to watch them regroup later.

Incidents were reported in several parts of the capital, Dili. At least 19 people were injured.

Outgoing President Xanana Gusmao called for calm, saying successful polls on Monday would prove to the world that Asia’s newest nation – and one of its poorest – was “not a failed state”.

His country was pushed to the brink of civil war last year when factional fighting broke out between police and army forces, leaving dozens dead, sending tens of thousands fleeing, and resulting in the collapse of the government.

Mr Gusmao noted that, despite isolated acts of violence, campaigning so far had been relatively calm.

Eight candidates are running for the top job, but Mr Gusmao – long regarded as a uniting force in his fledgling democracy – has decided not to stand.

UN spokeswoman Allison Cooper said least five people were injured in today’s clashes, though it was not immediately clear how seriously.

Several cars also were damaged, she said, but “everything is under control.”

Duarte Faria, a spokesman for the Fretilin party of former Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri, said at least 19 of its supporters had been injured when its convoy came under attack.

Several cars had their windows smashed and three motorcycles were set alight, he said.

East Timor voted to break free from 24 years of Indonesian rule in 1999.

The country was administered by the United Nations, and until last year’s crisis, had been considered a major success in nation-building.