East Timorese rally against sectarian fighting

DILI, Nov 13 (Reuters) Hundreds of demonstrators held a peace rally in the East Timor capital of Dili today, calling on rival gangs to stop sectarian fighting that has created instability in the young country.

''We are one. We are not at fault. The politicians were the ones who pitted us against each other,'' said the protesters, who carried candles during the early morning rally.

The tiny country of about one million people descended into chaos in May following the sacking of 600 soldiers from the western region.

Elements of the police and military fought against each other initially, with regional differences playing a role, then gangs of youths became involved.

The sentiments spiralled into rioting and looting that left about 30 people dead and 150,000 displaced until the arrival of thousands of foreign peacekeepers.

That stopped the worst of the violence but sporadic gang fights have continued, often marked by stone throwing and arson.

Four people died in gang fights last month that also forced the temporary closure of the country's main airport.

After decades of rule by Indonesia and a period of UN administration, East Timor gained its full independence in 2002.

It has abundant oil and gas resources but is only beginning to exploit them, while most of its people live in poverty.

REUTERS PDM PM1754