Police Commissioner Longinhos: Police will use force to respond to acts of violence

Timor Post, April 1, 2011 language source: Tetun - The Timorese National Police Commander (PNTL), Commissioner Longuinhos Monteiro, said the police play a very important role in responding to situations within the country so all Timorese people could remain calm.

However, if there are strong acts of violence, the police will use force to respond to it.

"The police will not let people stone them. But when people want to throw rocks at them then I myself will go down to arrest them directly," Monteiro said.

Monteiro stressed that the police should make efforts to keep their professionalism, security and credibility.

"If there is an act of violence, the police will use force. The Police will use proper manners to stop the conflict, so that the community members remain calm," Monteiro said.

In relation to the journalists' questions asking if the UN Police will interfere in any situations in the country, Monteiro said the UN Police will not interfere in responding to any situations, including any situation in the general elections. He added that they could only ask for the UN Police's help when acts of violence get out of hand.