UN urges non-violent Timor poll

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The UN Security Council has called on all parties involved in next week's presidential election in East Timor to avoid using violence.

In a statement, the council described the poll as a "significant milestone" in the country's democratic process.

It is the first time the East Timorese have voted for a president since the country gained independence in 2002.

Tensions have risen as Monday's poll nears, sparking fears of a resurgence of last year's sectarian violence.

In May 2006, at least 33 people died and 150,000 fled their homes as a result of street clashes around the capital Dili, after former Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri dismissed 600 soldiers, splitting the armed forces.

Thousands of international troops were deployed to curb the violence.

Security concerns

Eight candidates are seeking to replace incumbent President Xanana Gusmao, who has long signalled his intention not to stand for re-election.

Current prime minister and Nobel Peace Prize winner Jose Ramos-Horta, 57, is running for the post.

So too is the powerful Fretilin Party chairman Fransisco Guterres, 52, and Fernando "Lasama" De Araujo, the chairman of the opposition Democrat Party.

Security has been tightened ahead of Monday's poll, but clashes have still taken place in recent days.

According to the Associated Press, at least 32 people were injured in clashed between rival gangs on the streets of Dili on Wednesday.

UN peacekeepers and police were forced to fire warning shots to disperse the crowd.

Fears of further violence are also connected to the fact that a renegade soldier, Major Alfredo Reinado, is still at large.

He is being hunted by an international security force, but has so far evaded capture, and is said to have some public support.