Timor Leste rebels surrender weapons

Timor Leste's rebel soldiers on Friday surrendered their weapons to international troops, obeying an order to disarm from President Xanana Gusmao.

The rebels, led by Major Alfredo Reinado, handed over 12 M16 rifles, four handguns and ammunition to Australian troops, who later secured the weapons inside steel containers.

Reinado said more weapons would be coming in from his area of control in the next few days.

Good to know that peace is underway in Timor Leste. Also we shouldn't discount the fact that Major Reinado knew he was being cornered. With the cache of weapons he just surrendered, he couldn't have lasted long with the ball on his side of the court.

He got what he wanted - attention and now for the negotiation bit.