 |
|
Final
flights ... two 5 Avn Regt Black Hawk helicopters in flight
over the Bobonaro district near Moleana in East Timor a
week before the draw down began. Photo by Capt John McPherson,
MPALO-ANCE, East Timor
|
End
of an era
Army
role reduced in East Timor
By
Pte John Wellfare
AUSTRALIA'S Army presence in East Timor has been significantly reduced
under a new UN Security Council resolution to decrease UNMISET numbers.
The
Australian contingent of about 440 troops will be reduced to about
100 - under the title of Op Spire - by the end of June, with the
remaining positions mostly in headquarters, logistics, engineering
and military liaison roles until the anticipated UN withdrawal,
now expected to take place on May 20, 2005.
The
draw down comes as part of UN Security Council Resolution 1543,
released on May 14, outlining a UN presence of up to 58 civilian
advisers, 157 civilian police advisers, 42 military liaison officers,
310 soldiers and a 125-person International Response Unit.
The
UN Security Council decided to maintain a reduced presence beyond
this month's planned withdrawal after East Timor's Minister for
Foreign Affairs Jose Ramos-Horta requested an extension of the peacekeeping
presence for an additional one-year "consolidation phase".
Mr
Ramos-Horta told the Security Council that peace in East Timor was
still fragile and that although no external threat was expected,
it would be wiser to be overcautious.
He
also cited fragility in fledgling institutions of law and order
as reason for postponing the UNMISET withdrawal.
CDF
Gen Peter Cosgrove said the fact that very few troops would be required
to remain in East Timor was a sign of great improvement in the security
situation in the fledgling nation.
"In
1999 it was heartbreaking to see the destruction and devastation
visited upon the people of Timor Leste," he said.
"When
I visit now I am encouraged by the tremendous progress being made
as the people of Timor Leste move toward full nationhood.
"In
the evolving story of the relationship between our two countries,
our new tasks are part of the natural progression as we assist the
Timor Leste people, in concert with civilian agencies, to build
a better future where they can manage their own security and other
national responsibilities."
Gen
Cosgrove expressed faith in the mostly Australian-trained East Timorese
military and police forces to provide security for their country
in the future.
The
UN mandate extends the presence of UNMISET for at least six months,
with a view to be renewed for an additional six months after undergoing
a review in November.
|
