NZ offers tips on running E Timor

By JOHN ARMSTRONG

New Zealand may give East Timor technical help in operating its new Parliament once a Legislative Assembly is up and running after elections next year.

The offer was made by the Prime Minister, Helen Clark, during a brief meeting with East Timorese leader Xanana Gusmao, who arrived yesterday for a six-day visit to New Zealand as a guest of the Government.

"One way New Zealand has helped other nascent democracies is with advice on how to run a Parliament," said Helen Clark.

East Timor's most respected political leader, Mr Gusmao was at the forefront of the struggle for independence, having been captured by the Indonesian authorities in 1992 before being released last September. He is president of the umbrella group of pro-independence political parties.

Following last year's self-rule ballot and Indonesia's withdrawal from the territory, East Timor has been administered by the United Nations. It is hoped elections for a parliamentary Assembly can take place in the second half of next year, as a first step to full independence.

Mr Gusmao thanked New Zealand for sending peacekeeping troops to East Timor. He said there was as yet no target date for independence.

New Zealand has some 660 troops in East Timor. They are based in the south-west on the border with West Timor. As part of New Zealand's $2 million aid payment, a further 29 non-military personnel - police, prison staff and customs officers - are also helping to rebuild the country's shattered infrastructure.

Mr Gusmao's visit is being marked by his being made an Honorary Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.