DATE=9/13/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=EAST TIMOR / PEACEKEEPERS (L-O)
NUMBER=2-253802
BYLINE=GRACE CUTLER
DATELINE=HONG KONG
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Pacific-rim countries are pledging their
support for Indonesia's decision to allow U-N
peacekeepers into East Timor. Grace Cutler reports
from Hong Kong, Australia's defense minister says
troops could be sent in as early as the end of this
week.
TEXT: Defense Minister John Moore, speaking with the
Australian Broadcasting Corporation, said elements of
the peacekeeping mission could be deployed within
days. But he said much would depend on the response
of the United Nations after it meets with Indonesian
Foreign Minister Ali Alatas in New York to discuss
arrangements.
// MOORE ACT //
Alatas will not be in New York until Monday
night their time, so in our time we would not
expect a response from the United Nations until
Tuesday night or Wednesday. From there, there
is a time lag to get other nations into Darwin
before you can deploy.
// END ACT //
Australia and New Zealand say they expect a total of
eight-thousand troops will be deployed in East Timor.
Their main objectives will be to protect the U-N
mission there, protect refugees, and to safeguard
humanitarian aid.
The majority of the force will most likely be from the
Association of Southeast Asian Nation member
countries. Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and
Thailand have all have pledged support. Australia,
with its advanced military, looks poised to lead the
mission.
The United States is likely to play a part, by
supplying logistical support. Japan, whose
constitution limits the role of its military overseas,
has said it will consider sending humanitarian and
financial aid.
It is unclear how long the peacekeepers will have to
remain in East Timor.
Military analysts warn pro-Indonesian forces, possibly
backed by break-away factions of the military and
police, could pose a threat to the peacekeepers.
Defense Minister Moore said the peacekeepers will
likely have to work with the Indonesian army, which is
believed to be cooperating with the violent pro-
Jakarta militia groups.
// MOORE ACT //
There would be a period of time -- I would not
say as long as two-months -- but there could be
a period of time in which there would be joint
operation until such time that is worked up by
the commander of the U-N force and the commander
of the Indonesian force. But ultimately it will
be a U-N operation.
// END ACT //
Meanwhile, some Indonesian officials are calling to
bar Australia, New Zealand, Portugal, and the United
States from participating in the peacekeeping mission,
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