Rebel Soldier Shoots East Timor Prez

Nobel Prize-winner expected to live; assassin shot dead
By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 10, 2008 7:54 PM CST
Rebel Soldier Shoots East Timor Prez
Jose Ramos-Horta is carried to the stage on the shoulders of his supporters during a campaign appearance in this April 3, 2007 file photo in Baucau, about 140 kilometers (84 miles) east of Dili, East Timor's capital. East Timor President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Jose Ramos-Horta was wounded in...   (Associated Press)

A rebel soldier shot East Timor's president today in an attack on his home, the BBC reports. President Jose Ramos-Horta, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, underwent surgery at an Australian army hospital and is expected to live. The president’s guards shot and killed the assailant, Alfredo Reinado, who had vowed to use force against the government.

The fighting began before dawn today when two cars passed the president’s house in the capital city of Dili. Local media also reported an attack on East Timor's prime minister, but said no one was injured. East Timor has been plagued by fierce battles between police and military forces since 2006, when former PM Mari Alkatiri dismissed a third of the armed forces. (More East Timor stories.)

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