Second wave of troops to Dili

New Zealand boosted its commitment to East Timor yesterday, deploying a second batch of troops for up to six months and pledging $500,000 in aid as violence continued to rock the capital, Dili.

Prime Minister Helen Clark announced yesterday that the Government would provide immediate humanitarian aid through the Red Cross. Defence Minister Phil Goff said that without intervention East Timor would "drift into widespread communal violence and civil war".

"Clearly the vast majority of the population will welcome the presence of the Kiwis and the Aussies over there and the ability of our troops to provide them protection and take life back to normal," he said.

The first platoon of 42 Kiwi troops arrived in Dili around 10 last night, NZ time. Their first task will be to secure the NZ embassy. The next deployment will arrive from Darwin sometime today.

The remaining refugees at the embassy will be evacuated. They will be taken to Darwin with or without official papers under a special agreement.

Mr Goff said he had received reports of atrocities, including a 45-year-old woman - a relative of a Cabinet minister - and her five children found murdered in a burnt-out house.

Miss Clark said: "The loss of law and order in the capital, Dili, has serious consequences for all Timor Leste citizens. While our troops are helping to restore order, it's also important we act to address humanitarian needs."

New Zealand aid will cover basic needs such as shelter, water and medical care.