Get-tough message to tackle Timor militias

New Zealand wants Indonesia to take more action against West Timor militias and bring the killers of UN personnel to justice.

Foreign Minister Phil Goff has told a meeting of the Consultative Group on Indonesia, in Tokyo, that Indonesian assurances have to be translated into action.

Mr Goff says the border area between East and West Timor is a "cause of deep concern," as Indonesian measures to solve the problem of the militias in West Timor fall short of what is needed.

The militias have killed three UN workers and more civilians on both sides of the border.

They are also responsible for the death of New Zealand soldier Private Leonard Manning.

Mr Goff says Indonesian assurances, given to the Consultative Group, put a priority on resolving the West Timor situation, so that it will meet the UN Security Council's conditions and allow a UN mission to visit next month.

Herald Online feature: Timor mission

UN Transitional Administration in E Timor