DILI, JUNE 7 (SPA) - EAST TIMOR’S PRIME MINISTER HAS AGREED TO AN INTERNATIONAL INVESTIGATION INTO THE VIOLENCE IN HIS COUNTRY, BUT REFUSED TO STEP DOWN AS DEMANDED BY REBEL TROOPS, THE U.N. REPRESENTATIVE IN EAST TIMOR SAID ON WEDNESDAY. THE WORLD’S YOUNGEST NATION WAS PLUNGED INTO VIOLENCE AFTER PRIME MINISTER MARI ALKATIRI SACKED 600 OF THE 1,400-STRONG ARMY FOR MUTINY WHEN THEY PROTESTED ABOUT ALLEGED DISCRIMINATION AGAINST SOLDIERS FROM THE WEST OF THE COUNTRY. "HE IS AGREEABLE FOR THE INVESTIGATIONS TO BE CARRIED OUT WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL INVESTIGATORS AND PROSECUTORS," SUKEHIRO HASEGAWA, HEAD OF THE UN OFFICE IN EAST TIMOR, TOLD AUSTRALIAN RADIO. "HE INSISTS THAT TRUTH SHOULD BE KNOWN," HASEGAWA ADDED. --SPA 07/06/2006 13:14 ت م www.spa.gov.sa/366923