DILI (AFP) - Screen kung fu legend Jackie Chan was greeted by thousands of cheering East Timorese on Wednesday in a UN goodwill visit to promote peace in the young and impoverished nation.

Demonstrating new moves on stage in front of 5,000 martial arts fans at Dili's national stadium, Chan called on Timorese youth to avoid drugs and violence.

"I will give you my father's word that my father 40 years ago gave to me. My father said 'Son, (there are) three things to remember. Never get close to drugs, never get involved in a gang, and never gamble'," Chan said.

On stage with the film star, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao said he hoped Chan's visit could curb a culture of violence in East Timor.

"My big hope is that his visit will change our mentality and (teach us to) live a life with martial arts principles," Gusmao said.

Martial arts are extremely popular in East Timor, which has one of the youngest populations in Asia but an unemployment rate of around 50 percent.

Police and analysts say violence by some martial arts groups, which often double as street gangs, is a potential threat to stability.

East Timor, which gained formal independence in 2002 after 24 years of Indonesian military occupation, still relies on foreign troops and police for internal security.

Source: AFP