East Timor travel advice upgraded

Foreign Affairs has upgraded its travel advice for East Timor, recommending against all tourist and non-essential travel.

New Zealanders who have concerns about their security should consider leaving.

A week ago, five people were killed and dozens of homes damaged when violence broke out after several days of demonstrations.

The protests were in support of around 600 soldiers who were sacked after deserting over the issue of discrimination between west and east Timorese.

In 1999, Indonesia withdrew from East Timor and New Zealand was part of an international force helping to rebuild the nation.

East Timor became fully independent from Indonesia in 2002.

The Government says New Zealand has no plans to send another military deployment to East Timor.

The Australian Government is considering whether it will respond to recent civil unrest.

- NEWSTALK ZB