Col Greg Molyneux, CO 1RAR Bn Gp, Lt-Col Stuart Smith, East Timorese Police Commissioner Paulo Martins and Col Jim Bancroft, after the hand over ceremony of Junction Point Charlie. Photo by Flt-Lt Tania Smith, MPA.

Charlie handover

 

From Flg-Off Simon Paton in East Timor
A symbolic event occurred on the East Timor border recently, with the hand over of Junction Point Charlie by Australian PKF, to an East Timorese-manned Border Patrol Unit (BPU).

Approximately 4km from Tonobibi, on the border with West Timor, Junction Point Charlie has been described by the AUSBATT CO Lt-Col Stuart Smith, as the “benchmark for all others”.

Lt-Col Smith acknowledged the partnership between Australia’s peacekeepers and the East Timorese border security personnel in assisting the hand over process.

Praising the professionalism and proficiency of the East Timorese Border Patrol personnel, Lt-Col Smith reinforced Australia’s intention to continue to provide support to the BPU at Junction Point Charlie through the provision of regular mobile patrols.

East Timor’s Police Commissioner Paulo Martins commended Australia’s contribution to the Junction Point and praised Australia’s efforts in providing knowledge transfer and advice to the BPU as it prepared for the transfer of authority at the Junction Point.

“Australia has generously assisted the people of East Timor, both in terms of their imparting of knowledge and in the provision of infrastructure to maintain appropriate border security for our nation,” he said.

“We are extremely grateful for their substantial contribution to our nation.”

During the hand over ceremony Commissioner Martins presented a certificate of thanks to Lt-Col Smith.

Commissioner Martins said the presentation was a demonstration of the gratitude of the people of East Timor for the efforts of the Australian Peace Keeping forces in the west of the country.

The hand over ceremony continued the transference of responsibilities for the management of East Timor’s security and border protection from United Nations to East Timor Government control.