Indonesia will be asked to pull back its pro-militia battalions

By Vernon Small

deputy political editor

The United Nations hopes to reduce the risk of hostile fire on its peacekeeping forces in East Timor by asking Indonesia to withdraw its Army units sympathetic to local militia.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Don McKinnon, said yesterday that one of the UN's first tasks would be an analysis of which Indonesian battalions would back the planned peacekeeping force - and which had actively supported the militia.

"One of the early stages of the UN deployment will be to recommend to the Indonesian Government which of those battalions does leave East Timor and which could stay under a ... UN command," he said.

Pro-Indonesian militias, with the backing of the Indonesian military, may have killed thousands of East Timorese. They have terrorised the population of the province since the overwhelming vote for independence on August 30.

UN officials said an advance contingent of an estimated 6000 troops from Australia and other countries could be on the ground within 72 hours to stem the violence.

But their precise role was in doubt last night after Russia warned it might oppose wide-ranging powers that would allow them to fight the militias.

Russia's Ambassador to the UN, Sergei Lavrov, said he would approve the full powers of engagement being suggested by Australia and others only if the Indonesians agreed they were necessary.

As one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, Russia has the power to veto any resolution.

Eyewitness reports yesterday said Dili was quiet after the UN closed its besieged compound in the capital and began evacuating about 1300 refugees.

Mr McKinnon said troops, including a New Zealand contingent, could move in once the UN Security Council confirmed the structure of the force.

New Zealand has ordered the frigate Te Kaha and the supply ship Endeavour to the region and has deployed a C130 Hercules, guarded by an SAS unit, which was yesterday flying missions evacuating refugees.

A six-person team has gone to Brisbane to work with Australian Defence Force planners.

Chief of Defence Air Marshal Carey Adamson said forces being readied for possible deployment included an Army company, with M113 armoured personnel carriers, engineers and other support staff, helicopters and another Hercules.

Thirty Holden Rodeo four-wheel-drive vehicles have been bought for possible deployment as part of the Army's $500 million re-equipment programme.

In all, 15 countries are expected to contribute to the force, which will number about 6000.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas has said his country would not put conditions on the shape of a UN force or dictate which countries would be involved.

His comments contradicted earlier statements by a top Indonesian defence commission that Australia, New Zealand, the US and Portugal should not take part.

But Mr Alatas reportedly hesitated when asked if Australia should lead the multinational force.

He said Indonesia wanted to see a UN force in place in East Timor as soon as possible.