DATE=9/20/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=E. TIMOR FORCE (L UPDATE)
NUMBER=2-254079
BYLINE=KYLE KING
DATELINE=JAKARTA
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
// ADDS NEW DETAIL THROUGHOUT //
INTRO: The first Troops from the multi-national
peacekeeping force for East Timor have begun
their long awaited deployment, with a dawn
landing in Dili. From Jakarta, VOA's Kyle King
reports.
TEXT: Transport planes carrying crack troops
from Australia, New Zealand and Britain landed
just after dawn at the airport in Dili. The
troops, in full battle gear, immediately secured
the airport which will serve as a headquarters
for the multi-national force.
Dozens of flights are expected during the day,
bringing about two thousand troops into the
violence scarred province.
At the port in Dili troops have also been
unloading heavy equipment for the force, which
is expected to grow to nearly eight thousand
troops from more than 20 countries.
The U-N mandated force is charged with restoring
order in East Timor, where pro-Jakarta militias
have driven hundreds of thousands of people from
their homes following an overwhelming vote for
independence last month.
The peacekeepers did not encounter any
resistance as they began their mission. The
commander of the force, Major General Peter
Cosgrove says his troops hope to work closely
with the Indonesian military. But he said they
are prepared for any resistance.
// Cosgrove act //
We have got robust rules of engagement which
have been structured by the U-N mandate, and
these do allow essentially self protection under
all circumstances. //
// end act //
General Cosgrove says he will have to wait and
see if what he called illegal and undisciplined
groups try to use violence to interfere with the
peacekeeping force.
Most of the militia that have been terrorizing
the population of East Timor have now left the
capital. Many are believed to be in West Timor,
which is outside the scope of the U-N
peacekeeping force.
Some militia members who are violently opposed
to independence have vowed to return and fight
the U-N mandated force, which expects to be
fully deployed in about a week. (signed)
Neb/kbk/plm
20-Sep-1999 00:09 AM EDT (20-Sep-1999 0409 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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