Angelita Pires responde a Ramos-Horta

An East Timor-born Australian woman has defended herself against claims by President Jose Ramos-Horta that she manipulated and influenced rebel leader Alfredo Reinado before February's assassination attempt.

In a statement released today, Angela Pires says she never influenced Reinado to harm or kill anyone, and that she had always insisted he coordinate with security agencies about his movements in order to prevent any conflict.

Whilst previous reports say she was a legal adviser to Reinado, she said she stopped working on his case in December 2007, but continued to have a personal relationship with him.

Dr Ramos-Horta recently referred to her as Reinado's intimate associate and lover, saying she manipulated and influenced the rebel leader prior to February's assassination attempt.

She says she is innocent and it should be left up to the courts to decide the facts.