NZ army welcomes co-operation from Indonesians

12:50 PM

New Zealand troops are hailing a new era of co-operation with the Indonesian military, following the evacuation of 54 United Nations relief workers from West Timor.

Pro-Jakarta militia stormed the UN offices in the border town of Atambua, killing three UN workers and leaving a fourth non-military aid worker seriously injured.

It is feared other aid workers may be in hiding and New Zealand troops are on standby to rescue them.

The international community is coming down hard on Indonesia, demanding President Wahid do more to stamp out militia activity.

But the Commander of our troops in East Timor, Brigadier Jerry Mateparae, says the New Zealand Defence Force could not have carried out the evacuations without the support of the Indonesian army.

He says the Indonesian military made sure the evacuation went ahead safely.

Brigadier Mateparae also says New Zealand was able to respond quicker than the Australians, and that is why we sent three helicopters across the border compared to their one.

He says New Zealand's chain of command allows a little more flexibility, which is why we were approached to lead the mission.

A request for assistance was received at 6 pm and Brigadier Mateparae says approval was given by 7 pm.

- IRN

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