CANBERRA, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said here on Tuesday that his country is concerned with the situation in East Timor, while Australian troops are ready to go to the aid of its northern neighbor.

    Downer's statements came after it was reported that shooting and arson attacks broke out in the East Timorese capital of Dili on Tuesday and two government troops were wounded in a clash with disgruntled ex-soldiers.

    The reported shootings happened a few km from the center of Dili, which was hit by deadly riots last month that killed five people.

    "There was a brief respite from the unrest following the conclusion of the congress of the ruling party, Fretilin ... but reports we have been getting yesterday and today are that parts of Dili and other parts of the country are descending into violence," Downer told parliament.

    "We've made it clear that we are ready to offer assistance to East Timor if it's needed and if it's requested by the East Timorese government directly or indirectly through the United Nations," he said.

    "We've positioned some military assets in northern Australia including naval vessels, aircraft and even some troops to enable a rapid response and to assist with evacuation or some other form of assistance if it's required," he added. Enditem