Media Room: Defence Alert

INTERNATIONAL SECURITY FORCES ENHANCE
TIMOR-LESTE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION SECURITY

WHAT:           Vision and still imagery of the Australian Defence Force-led International Security Forces (ISF) conducting general security operations in preparation for the 9 April, 2007 presidential election. Audio files of the Commander of the ISF, Brigadier Mal Rerden discussing security preparations.

WHERE:        Vision will be distributed through the Parliament House Press Gallery direct from the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

                        Images are available from: http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download

                        Audio is available from: http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download/audio/index.cfm

WHEN:          Opportunities for follow-on interviews with the ISF commander in the lead-up to the election are not available due to the tempo of current operations.

WHO:             Brigadier Mal Rerden is the commander of the Australian-led International Security Force in Timor-Leste.

Background:

Operation Astute is the ADF’s contribution to the Australian Government's response to a request from the Government of Timor-Leste to assist in restoring peace and stability to their country. The priority of the International Security Force is to help the Government of
Timor-Leste and the United Nations (UN) stabilise the environment in preparation for the conduct of democratic elections. Dili remains generally calm with a small number of isolated incidents managed by the UN Police. The security situation in Timor-Leste remains fragile and potentially volatile, but it is presently controllable. UN Police, supported by the ISF, will take strong action against those who seek to violently disrupt the conduct of the elections. Further information on Operation Astute can be found at: http://www.defence.gov.au/opastute/default.htm

Media contacts:

Defence Media Liaison (02) 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664

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