East Timor's government will relax a night-time curfew put in place following attacks on its leadership last month to allow the mainly Catholic nation to celebrate Easter.

The acting president, Fernando de Araujo, says the state of emergency should not be an obstacle for the entire community, which takes part in Easter celebrations.

He said says the curfew, which bans people from the streets between 8pm and 6am and prohibits meetings and mass rallies, will be shortened to between 1am and 6am from Thursday to Sunday to allow Easter processions.

Religious gatherings will also be permitted over Easter, according to a decree from the acting president.

The curfew was put in place on February 12 following rebel attacks the previous day that left President Jose Ramos-Horta with gunshot wounds and two of his assailants, including rebel leader Alfredo Reinado, dead.

Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao escaped a twin attack on his convoy unharmed.

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