CANBERRA, Australia –- Today, East Timor’s President Ramos-Horta, still recovering from last month’s assassination attempt, named former military member, Marcelo Caetano, as his shooter.

“The President recognized him. This man must be brought to justice,” Ramos-Horta’s brother, Arsenio, said for Australian newspaper, The Age. But the Timorese government fears that if the rebels do not surrender peacefully, the country may once again give way to violence.

Caetano is one of 600 former military members turned rebels who lost their jobs during a 2006 strike. As the army became divided along factional lines, violence killed 37 and drove 150,000 people from their homes. East Timor had to rely on foreign troops to help restore peace.

On Monday, close to 500 army and police officers entered the district of Ermera, where rebel leader, Gastao Salsinha, is believed to be hiding. An ultimatum was issued, but Salsinha did not surrender. Caetano is among the 30 or so rebels believed to be under Salsinha’s command.

Brigadier-General Taur Matan Ruak said that Caetano and Salsinha had their chance, and now the Timorese army must take action.

 
For more information, please see:

Reuters: Asia –- Wounded East Timor President names gunman-report –- 12 March 2008

Canberra Times –- E Timor hunts rebel soldier –- 12 March 2008

The Age: Australia — Timor leader nurses his would-be assassin — 13 March 2008