True to the title, this is just me prepare for a situation that COULD eventuate given current circumstances. The CNRT political party of East Timor has won the majority of seats in the Timorese Parliament, and formed a coalition with the two minor parties, leaving the second biggest party - Fretilin - out of the government.

While in itself, this is not a bad thing, the Fretilin supporters have taken it upon themselves to seek retribution, lashing out in anger at.. well, anybody really. There's been sporadic gunfire and widespread political violence. If you've read up on East Timor, you'll note that a similar situation broke out in 2006 and spread into a de-facto rebellion, which resulted in myself and my family (along with most Australian citizens) being evacuated from the country by the ADF.

While this situation does not look like it's going to spread and become anything of the scale, there is always that possibility. In 2006 I was given a night's warning before I was evacuated. I packed my things and we left in the morning.

So, I might suddenly go AWOL due to a similar situation, with little to no warning. I'll keep this updated with Sitreps every few days or so until it cools down.

Be safe.

SITREP:

Quote:DILI, East Timor — Police in East Timor say protesters angry that their party was shut out of the incoming government have thrown stones at officers, burned or destroyed 58 cars and damaged some houses.

Police chief Longuinhos Monteiro says one person has been killed and four policemen have been injured in clashes in Dili, the capital.

Witnesses said police arrested at least 12 people Sunday and that violence continued Monday.

Montero says the protesters are believed to be supporters of the Fretilin party, which finished second to Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao’s party in July 7 parliamentary elections.

The violence broke out shortly after Gusmao said his party would set up a coalition with Democratic Party and Frenti-Mudanca, excluding Fretilin from the government.

Hundreds of U.N. peacekeepers have been in East Timor since 2006.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/violence-in-east-timor-after-ruling-party-excludes-runners-up-from-coalition-1-killed/2012/07/15/gJQALfqZnW_story.html

News reports have finally latched on to the story, but everything was quiet this morning. There are reports of fighting in the city center still, but I've yet to see or hear anything from where I am. So far it has the possibility to cool down very quickly; either way it represents a significant disappointment for East Timor's development.

That is some of the best news I've heard in a while.  Seems silly, perhaps, but I do feel a sense of community with all you VEers.  Hades, I'm glad things have calmed down where you are, man.