First East Timorese district handed over to local police by UN

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Updated May 14, 2009 19:24:28

Local police in East Timor have for the first time formally been given control of a district by the United Nations.

Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao addressed the handover ceremony in the district of Lautem on Thursday afternoon. It marks the first time that East Timorese police have been given primary policing responsibility since the 2006 security crisis, and the UN says other districts may follow suit within weeks.

UN spokesman in East Timor, Kieran Dwyer, was at the ceremony, and says the event inspired a lot of pride in local people.

Presenter: Bruce Hill
Speaker:UN spokesman in East Timor, Kieran Dwyer

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