Australians awarded Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal
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Approximately 240 Australian members of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) have been presented with the Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal in Dili.
The medal presentation ceremony at the Timor-Leste Defence Force (F-FDTL) Headquarters was led by Chief of the Timor-Leste Defence Force, Major General Lere Anan Timur, assisted by Lieutenant Colonel Dominggos da Camara, Police Commissioner Luis Carrilho, Director General SED, Juan Corteria, and representing the Australian Ambassador, Toby Langdon.
Speaking at the ceremony, Major General Lere said that the ISF had contributed markedly towards the development and security of the population of Timor-Leste.
He said the Government of Timor-Leste was very grateful for the role that ISF has played during its time in the country.
“Australia is a neighbour and a great friend which has been involved from the beginning, supporting development and security in our young nation,” Major General Lere said.
“We appreciate your commitment, dedication and devotion to duty while you have been here.
“I hope that your experience working with our people, in a different culture, has been of benefit to you all and I wish you a good homecoming.
“The people of Timor-Leste and Australia will always be friends.”
The Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal (Medalha Solidariedade de Timor-Leste) was introduced by former President Ramos-Horta in recognition of those contributing to peace and stability in East Timor.
Many of the soldiers from ANZAC Company are Melbourne-based Reservists who have taken time off from their regular employment to prepare for and deploy to Timor for up to eight months.
With the increasing stability in Timor-Leste, and the capability of the National Police in Timor Leste and F-FDTL to maintain security, there has been very little requirement recently for ISF to become involved in security operations.
Australian members from ANZAC Company will return to Australia over the coming weeks and will be replaced by members drawn predominantly from the 5th Brigade which is based in Sydney.
The International Stabilisation Force is in East Timor at the invitation of the Government of Timor-Leste to support local security forces to maintain a secure and stable environment.