East Timor's parliament on Wednesday approved a 10-day extension of a state of emergency imposed after assassination attempts on the president and prime minister earlier this week.
Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao asked for the extension, which bans demonstrations, gives police extended powers and imposes a nighttime curfew.
"This emergency status is not intended to hinder people's activities but to allow the normalization of the situation," Gusmao said. "I call on the people to remain calm and abide by government rules."
President Jose Ramos-Horta was wounded in a attack at his home in East Timor's capital city of Dili. He was airlifted to Darwin in northern Australia on Monday for emergency medical treatment for gunshot wounds.
Government Prepares Warrants
Doctors said Ramos-Horta — who won a Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent campaign against Indonesia's occupation — is in stable, but serious condition.
An hour later, gunmen attacked Gusmao's motorcade, but he escaped unharmed.
Rebel leader Alfredo Reinado died in the attack on Ramos-Horta. He had led a revolt against the government and was charged with murder after factional violence in 2006. Later that year, he escaped jail with 50 other inmates.
East Timor has been under a state of emergency since Monday. A peacekeeping force led by about 1,000 Australian troops has been placed on high alert.
Authorities moved to issue arrest warrants for 18 former soldiers allegedly involved in the assassination plots.
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