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New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa

Media Release

22 February 2007

Kiwi Troops Lay Foundations for Peaceful Timor Elections

New Zealand soldiers serving in Timor-Leste have been meeting with village leaders, UN police and local authorities in an effort to decrease gang violence ahead of the country’s April elections.

The meetings have been held during patrols into Santa Cruz and Taibese Village in South East Dili, both flash points for gang violence over the past few years.

Senior National Officer Lieutenant Colonel Kent Collard said the initiative aimed to ensure groups in Timor-Leste were working together in the lead up to the election.

“The election in April will be the second ever democratic election held in Timor-Leste. It’s important that we do all we can to ensure it runs smoothly and everyone in the country gets the chance to have their voice heard.”

New Zealand soldiers were successful as mediators because they had the respect of the Timorese community.

“We’ve lived among the local people and we are well respected and trusted. This puts us in an excellent position to help local interest groups find solutions to the violence here in Dili.”

Since arriving in Timor-Leste in November last year the current rotation of New Zealand soldiers to the country have assisted UN and local police to detain dozens of troublemakers.

The troops have also reduced gang violence by confiscating hundreds of home made weapons including machetes, darts, swords and spears.

There are currently 150 New Zealand troops serving in Timor-Leste as part of an Australian-led combined task force.

ENDS

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