Timor-Leste Embassy Dili Warden Message #8, APRIL 23, 2008


EMBASSY DILI WARDEN MESSAGE #8, APRIL 23, 2008

The Government of Timor-Leste (GOTL) declared on April 22, 2008 a normal state has been declared for all districts except Ermera. The previous state of emergency rule expired effective April 22 in the districts of Dili, Baucau, Manatuto, Viqueque, and Los Palos. The state of siege expired in the districts of Cova Lima, Ainaro, Bobonaro, Liquica, Manufahi, and Aileu. No curfew is in effect in these areas.

The GOTL has extended the state of siege in the District of Ermera for another 30 days ending on May 21 at 10:00 p.m. The curfew hours in Ermera will remain 10:00 p.m. through 6:00 a.m. Persons who violate curfew rules may be detained. The state of siege bans all gatherings except for religious and political party meetings, all rallies, and imposes a nighttime curfew. The extension measures were requested by the president and were approved by the National Parliament.

While there continue to be no reports of unrest in Dili or anywhere else in the country at this time, the U.S. Embassy urges American citizens and their dependents to remain vigilant, use extreme caution, and limit movements to the greatest extent possible.

The F-FDTL (military) and the PNTL (police) have set up checkpoints in Ermera and possibly in other parts of the country. Searches may be conducted without warrants and suspects may be detained for up to 72 hours prior to reporting the detentions to the courts.

We strongly advise American citizens and their dependents to maintain at all times identity documents identifying them as American citizens or their dependents. We also recommend that you store photocopies of your passport’s information (photo) page and Timor-Leste visa separate from your passport.

We further advise American citizens and their dependents to cooperate with authorities in the event they come across a military or police checkpoint. Please be aware of your surroundings.

The U.S. Embassy advises you to renew your U.S. passport at least six months before its actual expiration date. Some neighboring countries require passports to be valid for at least six months in order to travel to/transit through their territory. In addition, please be advised that passport renewals and requests for additional passport pages are processed through U.S. Embassy Jakarta and can take up to three weeks to process.

The U.S. Embassy will provide American citizens with further reports. For emergency contact, you may reach Consular Officer Roberto Quiroz at 723-1328. Embassy Switchboard is 332-4684. To reach an American staff member, please dial extension 2083, 2056, or 2171.

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The U.S. Embassy in Dili, Timor-Leste

Pantai Kelapa

Dili, Timor-Leste

Tel: 670 332-4684 Fax: 670 331-3206

Email: ConsDili@state.gov

24 hour emergency number: (670) 723-0949