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As revolts in support of a fugitive rebel leader spread across East Timor, the country's president activated emergency powers Monday in a move to quell the civil unrest.

Security in the fledgling Asian nation worsened following a pre-dawn assault by international troops backed by helicopters on Sunday on Alfredo Reinado's mountain hideout, killing four insurgents and sending others fleeing into the jungle.

Reinado, heavily armed and sought on murder charges, succeeded in escaping.

"The state will use all legal means, including force, to stop violence and prevent destruction of property and killing, and to restore law and order," President Xanana Gusmao announced in a national address, allowing peacekeepers and police full authority to carry out arrests and searches without warrants. Special powers were also extended to them to break up public gatherings.

East Timor, one of the world's youngest and poorest nations, has still not fully recovered following factional fighting last May which killed at least 37 people and caused a human exodus of over 150,000.

Following the intervention of a 2,700-strong force led by Australia which led to a new government being established, order seemed to be restored but violence has flared anew of late between rival gangs ahead of next month's presidential elections. 

Looting, robbery, arson, assault and attacks on vehicles have also become widespread as the situation continues to deteriorate.

Public outcry against a foreign military presence was also exacerbated after Australian soldiers shot dead two Timorese men last month with rock-hurling protesters demanding on Monday that international forces leave the country.

Hundreds barricaded roads with burning tires and concrete blocks across the capital, Dili. A banner could be seen, carrying the slogan: "We, the young people, are prepared to die alongside Alfredo."

Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said nonessential government staff would be evacuated and added that Australians stood at risk of being attacked after the shooting incident. "The security situation is volatile and there is a high risk of violent civil unrest," he said in a statement.

Downer renewed calls for Reinado to surrender, claiming that he would otherwise be captured by Australian forces.

The US has advised steering clear of the town of Same, about 50 kilometers south of Dili, where the raid was conducted.

Reinado, who deserted the army with a force of 600 other soldiers early last year and who has been under constant scrutiny by Australian forces since then, threatened to wage war against the government after Sunday's raid, an aide said.

(China Daily via Agencies March 6, 2007)