DATE=9/17/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=ASIA / PEACEKEEPERS (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-253994
BYLINE=GRACE CUTLER
DATELINE=HONG KONG
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Australia Friday called for upon its Asia-
Pacific neighbors to help in the multinational
peacekeeping mission to East Timor. From Hong Kong,
V-O-A's Grace Cutler reports this comes as countries
in the region begin to mobilize troops for deployment.
TEXT: Australian Prime Minister John Howard says the
region must join forces to ensure independence is
realized in East Timor.
//HOWARD ACTUALITY//
It's important not only to the implementation of the
task of the peacekeeping operation, but also to the
months and years that lie beyond it. It's important
that it be a shared regional activity involving, not
only Australia, but also many of our other friends and
neighbors in the region.
//END ACTUALITY//
Mr. Howard also warned any attacks by pro-Jakarta
militias or the Indonesian military would provoke a
strengthening of the international force. Some
members of Indonesia's military are widely believed to
be working with the violent anti-independence forces
in East Timor.
Australia -- with the largest number of participating
troops -- is leading the eight thousand-strong
mission. Many other Asia-Pacific countries have also
pledged military or logistical support.
There has been some criticism of Australia's
leadership role. Canberra has traditionally had strong
ties with Jakarta and was the only Western power to
recognize Indonesia's rule over East Timor.
Malaysia originally refused to participate in the
peacekeeping mission, but is now sending in 30
soldiers, after being asked to do so by U-N Secretary
General Kofi Annan.
Troops from around the region and the world have begun
mobilizing to enter East Timor. Forces are expected to
be deployed either Saturday or Sunday. (signed)
NEB/GC / wd
17-Sep-1999 06:14 AM LOC (17-Sep-1999 1014 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
|
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list
|
|
|
