East Timor extended by 10 days a state of emergency imposed after assassination attempts on the president and the prime minister. Meanwhile, the body of a rebel leader slain in one of the attacks arrived home Wednesday to a hero's welcome. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao asked parliament for the extension, saying it was "in the interests of the people" so they could "live in peace and normalcy" following Monday's shootings, which left President Jose Ramos-Horta critically wounded.

Lawmakers later agreed, with 30 votes in favor and 14 abstaining.

The emergency order bans demonstrations, gives police extended powers and imposes a nighttime curfew.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

DILI, East Timor (AP) - East Timor's prime minister said Wednesday he would push for a 10-day extension of a state of emergency imposed in the tiny country after assassination attempts on him and the president.

Meanwhile, the corpse of a rebel leader slain in one of the attacks arrived home Wednesday to a hero's welcome.

Xanana Gusmao said the extension was "in the interests of the people" so they could "live in peace and normalcy" following Monday's shootings, which left President Jose Ramos-Horta critically wounded.

The current emergency order bans demonstrations, gives police extended powers and calls for a nighttime curfew. The parliament was expected to discuss the extension later Wednesday, when the current emergency is due to end.

The attacks underscored the challenges facing East Timor, a country of 1 million people that has struggled to achieve stability after voting to break free from Indonesia a UN-sponsored ballot earlier this decade.

Doctors said Jose Ramos-Horta - who won a Nobel Peace Prize for his campaign against the occupation - was stable and recovering well from gunshot wounds, but remained in "extremely serious" condition at an Australian hospital.

Ramos-Horta was attacked by around 10 men close to his home as he returned from a morning walk, officials said. His guards fired back, killing rebel soldier Alfredo Reinado and one of his followers.

An hour later, gunmen also attacked a car carrying Gusmao, but he escaped unhurt.

The bodies of Reinado and his follower were taken to Reinado's home under heavy police escort Wednesday where hundreds of family members and supporters wept and jostled to get a glimpse of them. His burial was due to take place on Thursday, officials said.

The coffins were opened briefly, allowing mourners to see the faces of the bloodied corpses.

"I accept his death with a heavy heart," said Reinado's uncle, Victor Alves. "I appeal to all the militants to accept his death and be peaceful."

Attorney General Longuinhos Monterio said prosecutors would soon issue arrest warrants for 18 suspects in the attacks. He said the evidence against the men was strong, but declined to give their names. No arrests have been made so far.

Analysts predicted Reinado's supporters might stage violent demonstrations, but the country has so far been calm. On Wednesday, Australian soldiers searched cars for weapons at checkpoints and armored U.N. vehicles guarded top politicians.

Reinado and his followers were blamed in part for a spasm of unrest in 2006 after they deserted the army, triggering clashes that killed 37 people and led to the collapse of the tiny nation's first post-independence government.

He had been charged with murder over the events, but enjoyed folk hero status among some youth and people from the west of the country who complain that the central government discriminates against them.

---_

Associated Press writer Tanalee Smith contributed to this report from Darwin, Australia.

Written By ANTHONY DEUTSCH