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| Down Under |
| Australia prepared to deploy troops to East Timor |
| 2006-05-04 |
| AUSTRALIAN authorities are awaiting a request from East Timor for troops as political tension in the poor nation increases. Canberra is also preparing to evacuate Australian citizens from the country if another flare-up of violence occurs. Rumours of a stand-off between the armed forces and national police have prompted many Dili residents to flee the city in recent days. East Timorese troops had been deployed to the capital's streets to restore security after a week of violent protests. The riots were sparked after nearly 600 soldiers were sacked when they deserted their barracks complaining of discrimination in February. At least four people were killed on Friday and about 100 homes and a market damaged, while thousands fled for shelter in seminaries and areas outside the capital. It was the worst unrest to hit East Timor since 1999, when Indonesian-backed militias killed 1400 after the country broke away from Jakarta, which ruled East Timor for 24 years. Australia sent a large force to East Timor in late 1999 to restore order, pulling out in 2004. It is not known how many soldiers Australia would send to East Timor should an official request be made. Depending on the size of the force, any deployment could also leave the Australian Defence Force overstretched in the wake of recent deployment to the Solomon Islands. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade yesterday updated travel advice for East Timor, warning Australians to reconsider any plans to travel there. "We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to East Timor at this time because of the high level of communal tension and the potential for politically motivated violence," DFAT said. "The situation could change quickly and without notice and Australians could be caught up in any violence directed at others. If you do decide to travel to East Timor you should exercise extreme caution." The department said the areas affected included the Comoro markets, government buildings in the city centre and some beach areas. "If you are in Dili we advise against unnecessary travel, particularly at night and around locations known to be targeted by demonstrators, including government buildings, Comoro and Taibesi markets and the Tasi Tolu, Becora and Maneluana areas," the travel statement warns. "You should also avoid any minor disputes or other incidents that may occur as they have the potential to escalate." |
| Posted by:Oztralian |