Clark sending troops to Darwin today

The Government is sending an RNZAF 757, a Hercules C130, and New Zealand army personnel to Darwin today in preparation for peacekeeping duties in East Timor, Prime Minister Helen Clark announced early this morning.

Helen Clark said that the situation on the ground in East Timor had deteriorated seriously yesterday, with chaos and murders on the streets of the capital, Dili.

A platoon of soldiers will be sent to Darwin today, along with the aircraft which will be used to assist in evacuation if necessary and troop transport.

"The United Nations Security Council has made its concern clear and expressed its full understanding of the request made by the Timor Leste government for assistance to Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, and Portugal," Helen Clark said.

"I have spoken late Thursday evening with the Secretary-General of the United Nations who has expressed his thanks to each of the four countries approached by Timor Leste for their willingness to assist.

"Given the distance of New Zealand from Timor, it is appropriate to position New Zealand airlift capacity in Darwin now, both to assist with evacuation if required, and with troop transport as required.

"The Government has also authorised the positioning of a platoon in Darwin today, and has authorised the mobilisation of a company which is able to be positioned in Darwin in the coming days."

She said New Zealand and Australian officials were continuing to talk with East Timor representatives about the details of engagement in Timor so that appropriate rules of engagement could be determined.

About 600 rebel soldiers, sacked for desertion, are reported to have clashed with army troops and gangs of youths armed with machetes have been roaming the streets of the capital.

Australia has sent 130 commandos to secure the airport, and has 1300 troops standing by.

- NZPA