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East Timor Rebel leader threatens to shoot Australian Troops
East Timor's rebel leader says he is prepared to shoot Australian soldiers if they attempt to hunt him down.Major Alfredo Reinado has spoken publicly for the first time since escaping jail with 56 other inmates more than a week ago. "To hand over myself? No way," Reinado said. "But when they still after me, I will stop them. If they shoot me, I will shoot them back, because I have a right to protect myself in my country." Reinado said the East Timorese Government was the problem, not him. His comments came as two Australian police officers suffered minor injuries when youths, armed with machetes, went on a rampage through Dili. Prime Minister John Howard expressed his confidence that Australian soldiers under the command of Brigadier Mick Slater would cope with Reinado's threat. "Well, I think Australian soldiers can handle that situation," Mr Howard said. "I have every confidence in Brigadier Slater. I don't really think it adds anything for me to give a running response to every running piece of propaganda that comes from that particular person." Major Reinado said he had no plans to surrender. Posted by: Oztralian 2006-09-06 |
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