13 June 2005
Handover of base in Timor-Leste marks end of ADF peacekeeping mission

The handover of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Moleana on 13 June 2005 signifies the end of Australia’s peacekeeping involvement in Timor-Leste (formerly East Timor). The Australian Defence Force (ADF) coordinated and led the original United Nations mandated multi-national INTERFET mission to restore law and order in September 1999. This involved the deployment of more than 5000 ADF personnel.

The last of Australia’s peacekeeping forces depart Timor-Leste on 24 June 2005 signifying the end of Operation Spire and the completion of the mission for the ADF. The Australian Government continues to support the UN mission in Timor-Leste. The ADF will continue to provide 24 personnel to furnish training and advice to the Timor-Leste Defence Force as part of Australia’s ongoing Defence Cooperation Program.

Read release: HANDOVER OF FORWARD OPERATING BASE MOLEANA TO TIMOR LESTE

20050613adf8163792_012 Accompanying the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Dr Mari Alkatiri (fourth from left), Australian Lieutenant Colonel Brian Cox (centre, blue beret) is greeted by locals at the handover ceremony marking the end of the Australian Defence Force peacekeeping mission. (Date Taken: 13 June 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res	20050613adf8163792_017 (Left to right) The Australian Defence Force representative Major General Gillespie, Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Dr Mari Alkatiri, Minister of Agriculture Estanislao A. da Silva, Australian Ambassador to Timor Ms Margaret Twomey and other dignitaries proceed to the handover ceremony. (Date Taken: 13 June 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res
20050613adf8163792_021 Signing of the deed of handover of Forward Operating Base Moleana to the Government of Timor-Leste. (Left to right) Australian Ammbassador to Timor Ms Margaret Twomey, the Australian Defence Force representative Major General Ken Gillespie, Lieutenant Colonel Brian Cox co-ordinating, Minister of Planning and Finance Dr Maria M. B. Boavida and Minister of Agriculture Estanislao A. da Silva. (Date Taken: 13 June 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res	20050613adf8163792_035 The Australian flag is lowered over Forward Operating Base (FOB) Moleana. (Date Taken: 13 June 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res
20050613adf8163792_039 The Australian flag is lowered over Forward Operating Base (FOB) Moleana. (Left to right) The Australian National Commander in Timor Lieutenant Colonel Brian Cox, Minister of Agriculture Estanislao A. da Silva, Minister of Planning and Finance Dr Maria M. B. Boavida, Prime Minister of Timor Leste Dr Mari Alkatiri, the Australian Defence Force representative Major General Ken Gillespie and Australian Ambassador to Timor Ms Margaret Twomey. (Date Taken: 13 June 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res	20050613adf8163792_045 The Timor-Leste flag is raised over Forward Operating Base (FOB) Moleana. (Left to right) The Australian National Commander in Timor Lieutenant Colonel Brian Cox, Minister of Agriculture Estanislao A. da Silva, Minister of Planning and Finance Dr Maria M. B. Boavida, Prime Minister of Timor Leste Dr Mari Alkatiri, the Australian Defence Force representative Major General Ken Gillespie and Australian Ambassador to Timor Ms Margaret Twomey. (Date Taken: 13 June 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res
20050613adf8163792_048 The Timor-Leste flag is raised over Forward Operating Base (FOB) Moleana. (Left to right) The Australian National Commander in Timor Lieutenant Colonel Brian Cox, Minister of Agriculture Estanislao A. da Silva, Minister of Planning and Finance Dr Maria M. B. Boavida, Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Dr Mari Alkatiri, the Australian Defence Force representative Major General Gillespie and Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste Ms Margaret Twomey. (Date Taken: 13 June 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res	20050613adf8163792_051 The Timor-Leste flag is raised over Forward Operating Base (FOB) Moleana. (Left to right) The Australian National Commander in Timor Lieutenant Colonel Brian Cox, Minister of Agriculture Estanislao A. da Silva, Minister of Planning and Finance Dr Maria M. B. Boavida, Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Dr Mari Alkatiri, and the Australian Defence Force representative Major General Gillespie. (Date Taken: 13 June 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res
20050613adf8163792_053 The Timor-Leste flag is raised over Forward Operating Base (FOB) Moleana. (Left to right) The Australian National Commander in Timor Lieutenant Colonel Brian Cox, Minister of Agriculture Estanislao A. da Silva, Minister of Planning and Finance Dr Maria M. B. Boavida, Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Dr Mari Alkatiri, and the Australian Defence Force representative Major General Gillespie. (Date Taken: 13 June 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res	20050613adf8163792_056 The Timor-Leste flag is raised over Forward Operating Base (FOB) Moleana. (Left to right) The Australian National Commander in Timor Lieutenant Colonel Brian Cox, Minister of Agriculture Estanislao A. da Silva, Minister of Planning and Finance Dr Maria M. B. Boavida, Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Dr Mari Alkatiri, and the Australian Defence Force representative Major General Gillespie. (Date Taken: 13 June 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res