Dili – East Timor's Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri today called for calm a day after sacked soldiers rampaged through the capital looting shops and pelting opponents with stones.

"I ask that all people in Timor Leste remain calm and not be provoked by rumours," Alkatiri said shortly after returning from a visit to Japan. "The Government and the security forces will try to solve the problem that has arisen," he said.

His appeal followed a night of violence blamed on soldiers who were sacked last week after deserting their barracks.

Residents in Dili reported that shops had been looted and opposing groups of soldiers had fought pitched battles in various parts of the city.