'Since yesterday (Sunday) we have been questioning seven suspects. We have arrested a civilian and released the rest. His initials are AP,' prosecutor-general Longuinhos Monteiro told reporters.

The man was not among 17 for whom arrest warrants were issued last week and international police and troops are hunting for.

Mr Monteiro said it was uncertain what charges he would face, but 'possibly conspiracy to commit crimes against the state and the attempted murder of the head of state and government, because the citizen had information (about a crime) but did not report it.'

He added that the Australian embassy had not yet been notified.

President Jose Ramos-Horta was shot several times during a clash with rebels at his Dili home on Feb 11, in which rebel boss Alfredo Reinado was killed. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao escaped unharmed from a separate attack.

Mr Ramos-Horta is in a serious but stable condition in Australia, where he was airlifted after the attack.

Doctors have said they are hopeful that the Nobel peace laureate, 58, will make a full recovery. He remains sedated and on a ventilator, and is likely to undergo a fourth round of surgery on Tuesday. -- AFP