Monday, 23 August 1999
Media Statement
For immediate
release
NZ to increase presence in East Timor
"New Zealand is planning to increase the number of both Police and NZDF personnel in East Timor in the post-ballot phase of the UN operation there," Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Don McKinnon, announced today.
"Following the 30 August ballot, there will be a transition period of some months before the Indonesian Parliament can give constitutional effect to the outcome of the ballot. During this period, we are looking at doubling the number of NZDF military liaison officers from 5 to 10, and increasing the number of civilian police officers from 10 to 15."
"Indonesia will still be responsible for security in
this
period. A stronger and enlarged UN presence will
help provide
reassurance and advice concerning security
in the transition period,
whatever the ballot
outcome."
Mr McKinnon explained the UN plan was to wind
down the electoral
component after the ballot, but
increase the total civilian police
number in East Timor
to 460, including a police training component, and
for
the military liaison officers to be increased from the
present 50 to
300.
"We are in the process of
identifying Police volunteers and NZDF
personnel for this
next phase. The 10 police officers currently in
East
Timor are due to return to New Zealand by 7
September because of our
heavy commitments during the
APEC meetings next month. Their
replacements should be in
place later in September. The 5 NZDF liaison
officers
already in East Timor will stay on and will be joined
by
an equal number."
Mr McKinnon said he was encouraged by recent developments in East Timor such as the successful registration of voters.
"There are big hurdles still
ahead, particularly that of persuading all
parties to
accept the ballot result without resort to violence.
Major
efforts have to go into reconciliation and
disarmament."
"Indonesia will also have to redouble its
efforts to ensure security and
calm in the post-ballot
period. The role of the Indonesian Armed Forces,
or TNI,
will be crucial and will be closely watched by the
international
community.
ENDS