TV 3 6pm Bulletin

APEC ENDS: APEC came to a close today with Indonesia allowing peacekeepers into East Timor . Three hundred Kiwi troops are on offer as well as planes and ships. The number of troops can increase if need be. The US has not offered troops but has said they would provide logistical support. Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas has flown to New York to nut out a deal with the UN Security Council.

SURPRISE: APEC leaders were surprised at Indonesia’s invitation and many attribute the offer to the presence and firm words of US President Bill Clinton. East Timor independence leader Jose Ramos Horta has called the UN morons for not moving troops in sooner. They will be welcome as soon as they can get there. Horta met with Bill Clinton today.

CLARK/ANDERTON: Helen Clark says keeping East Timor on the fringe of APEC has contributed to the delays in getting a force there. Jim Anderton says they should just get on with it as soon as possible.

VEHICLES: Thirty Holden utes are on offer to our military as part of the peacekeepring force.

REFUGEES: Tens of thousansds of Timorese refugees are still hiding in the hills and are still being hunted by the militia. Dili is still burning and Horta says people will starve if aid does not arrive in 24 hours. He is urging air drops which are on the cards.

TE KAHA: The frigate Te Kaha berthed in Darwin next to US military ships in a military build up in the area. The freight ship Endeavour is on the way there now.

ENDS

© Scoop Media