The United Nations will assist the Timorese Government in carrying out a review of its security sector, a priority for the young nation which has already faced major security-related challenges since the world body helped it gain independence in 2002.

Nearly 175 families uprooted in the violence that swept through Timor-Leste three years ago are set to return to their homes today, a move welcomed by the United Nations as a breakthrough in efforts to tackle the issue internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the young nation that the world body helped shepherd to independence in 2002.

A new initiative launched today by the United Nations and the Government of Timor-Leste aims to provide small business loans to thousands of low-income people in the tiny nation, which is grappling with a number of challenges including widespread poverty and unemployment.

Security has been stepped up in Timor-Leste ahead of the return of President Jose Ramos-Horta on Thursday, some two months after he was wounded in an assassination attempt, a senior United Nations police official said today.