Improved security in Timor sees NZ withdraw platoon

A platoon of New Zealand troops is being withdrawn from East Timor because the security situation there has improved, says Prime Minister Helen Clark.

A full company and the platoon of 44 personnel were sent to the tiny Pacific country after violence broke out in the capital Dili three months ago.

They joined an international peacekeeping force led by Australia, and Helen Clark said Australia and Malaysia were also drawing down their contingents.

The United Nations Security Council on Saturday decided to set up a new mission for East Timor, including 1608 police and a smaller military contingent, to stay for at least six months and help steer the country to security and fresh elections.

New Zealand also sent police to East Timor in July for a one-off, three-month-long deployment.

"Should the transition to the UN police component take place in that three-month period, our police will come under their command," Helen Clark said.

"We will then consider what further role we might wish to take in the UN force, and whether it would be patrolling or of a training nature.

"We have been holding that thin blue line while the UN got itself organised with a full mission."

Helen Clark said there were a range of opinions within the UN about the military component of the new mission.

Some wanted it to come under UN command while Australia was arguing for a continuation of the present arrangement, with the taskforce working closely with the UN but Australian-led.

"We have always been comfortable with the UN Secretary-General's recommendations for a blue helmet military component but that we need to work together for a consensus."

- NZPA