| Accession Number | P05381.028 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Digital file |
| Maker |
Parker, David Dare |
| Place made | Timor-Leste: Maubisse |
| Date made | 11 June 2006 |
| Conflict |
Period 2000-2009 East Timor, 1999-2013 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: AWM Licensed copyright |
| Copying Provisions | Copyright restrictions apply. Only personal, non-commercial, research and study use permitted. Permission of copyright holder required for any commercial use and/or reproduction. |
Major (Maj) Alfredo Reinado, rebel leader and former East Timorese military commander, attends ...
Description
Major (Maj) Alfredo Reinado, rebel leader and former East Timorese military commander, attends Sunday Mass. Later, at a press conference in Maubisse, Maj Reinado and fellow rebel, Manuel Tilman, announced they are planning a conference to seek ways of modifying East Timor’s constitution to allow greater power for President Xanana Gusmao. Current Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri 'does not have the confidence of the people', said Tilman. 'Time is the most dangerous weapon', said Reinado. Maj Reinado left the army in May 2006 to join approximately 600 former soldiers who had been fired in March 2006 after complaining of ethnic discrimination over promotions. This led to a national crisis which brought down the government of Mari Alkatiri. Civil unrest followed initially peaceful protests against the government, and continuing violence, looting and arson have disrupted Dili. The Australian-led international peacekeeping mission is attempting to restore calm and stability to the region. Approximately 2500 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel, led by Brigadier Michael Slater, have been deployed on Operation Astute. The first elements of the force arrived the day after the request for assistance was received from the government of Timor-Leste.