E Timorese 'walked out of jail'

Major Reinado was detained in July

Scores of prisoners escaped from an East Timor jail on Wednesday, by simply walking out of the gate, the head of international forces there has said.

"The jailbreak appears to have been a fairly simple matter," Brigadier Mick Slater admitted.

At least 56 inmates escaped, including rebel leader Alfredo Reinado.

A search has been launched to find the fugitives, but analysts say the ease at which they escaped will fuel concerns over the fragile security situation.

East Timor is just beginning the process of rebuilding, after violence broke out in May, sparked by a decision to sack 600 soldiers.

More than 20 people died in street clashes, and thousands fled their homes. International troops, most of whom are from Australia, are now stationed in the country to try to restore order.

Maj Reinado is a former military officer who led a rebel faction of the security forces during the unrest in May. He was arrested last month for possessing illegal weapons.

'Under the guards' eyes'

"The prisoner Reinado and about 56 others essentially walked out the front gate under the eyes of the Timorese prison guards," Brig Slater told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Thursday.

The incident happened during visiting hours, and some of the visitors are thought to have generated a distraction, allowing the escape attempt.

Brig Slater's account differs from that of prison warden Carlos Sarmento, who said inmates broke down a wall in order to escape.

Brig Slater said the international authorities were frustrated and disappointed with their local counterparts for allowing the jailbreak to happen.

International and local troops are currently trying to find the escapees, who are thought to be hiding in small groups in Dili, and are assumed to be armed.

"We have sealed off the city - we did that within about 15 minutes of the escape," said Brig Slater.

But there are concerns that the incident will cause further unrest in East Timor.

"To have a breakout of this number... can only destabilise the situation in East Timor," Australian Justice Minister Chris Ellison told local media.

"A mass break-out involving 56 prisoners doesn't happen by accident and that's why it's of such concern," he said.

The United Nations agreed last week on a new peacekeeping mission of 1,500 police to East Timor.

Meanwhile Australia and New Zealand are moving to reduce their deployments in the country. On Wednesday Malaysia's small contingent officially withdrew.

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