East Timor's parliament approved an extension of the state of emergency until Feb. 23 as Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao called for calm on Wednesday following an assassination attempt on President Jose Ramos-Horta.
Ramos-Horta was critically wounded by gunfire from rebel soldiers early on Monday, while Gusmao escaped unhurt in a separate attack on his motorcade.
Some analysts had said East Timor could suffer further violence and political chaos after the attack on Ramos-Horta in which rebel leader Alfredo Reinado died. Australia sent troops to Dili this week to enforce a state of emergency and help with security.
"This emergency status is not intended to hinder people's activities but to allow the normalisation of the situation," Gusmao said. "I call on the people to remain calm and abide by government rules."
East Timor's prosecutor-general said earlier on Wednesday that he would issue arrest warrants for 18 people believed to be involved in assassination attempts on the president and prime minister.
"We're coming today to a conclusion to issue the warrants," Prosecutor-General Longinhos Monteiro told reporters in Dili.
Asked how strong the evidence was, he said: "99 percent," but added: "I do not want to mention the names of those involved at this stage."
Hundreds of Reinado supporters - some weeping, others shouting "Viva Alfredo" -- gathered at his home in Dili on Wednesday as his coffin was brought to the house.
Supporters insisted on opening the coffin several times in order to confirm that the body inside was indeed his.
"Even though you're dead, your spirit will live forever and we will continue your struggle," one man shouted, as U.N. police provided tight security in the area.
