Media Room: Media Releases
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Defence |
| 24/06/2005 | MSPA 169/05 |
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DEPARTURE OF REMAINING PEACEKEEPING TROOPS The last of Australia’s peacekeeping forces deployed under Operation SPIRE will depart Timor Leste today. Lieutenant Colonel Brian Cox, Australia’s final commander of peacekeeping forces in Timor Leste was privileged to oversee the final months of peacekeeping duties. "Although the role of the ADF has now changed, our support to Timor Leste continues through the Defence Cooperation Program and a new mission known as the United Nations Office in Timor Leste (UNOTIL)," said LTCOL Cox. "Over the years the ADF's contribution to Timor-Leste has undergone significant change and the transition from peacekeeping to peace-building operations, has been really positive." He said. The ADF coordinated and led the original United Nations mandated, multi-national INTERFET mission to restore law and order in September 1999. This involved an Australian deployment of over 5000 ADF personnel. Following the INTERFET mission the ADF has supported, and contributed to, all subsequent UN missions from UNTAET (September 1999-May 2002) to UNMISET (May 2002 - May 2004) to the extended UNMISET mission (May 2004-May 2005). "During these last two weeks we have visited many of the areas in Timor Leste where the great efforts of Australia peacekeepers could be seen within the communities, the schools, the hospitals and the security forces." LTCOL Cox said. As well as supporting the UNOTIL mission, Defence remains engaged over the longer term through its significant Defence Cooperation Program. This is aimed at assisting Timor-Leste develop a sustainable defence force which contributes to national and regional security. This ongoing program involves 24 ADF personnel providing training and advice to the Timor-Leste Defence Force. Please Note:Vision and images of the official handover will be posted on the Defence website. For further information please contact Defence Media Liaison on 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664 |
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Issued
by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs,
Department of Defence,
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