Australian PM tells Timor support not indefinite

John Howard

DILI - Australian Prime Minister John Howard brought a message of support for troubled East Timor on a one-day visit yesterday, but cautioned that his country's peacekeeping troops would not stay indefinitely.

Howard was met on arrival by East Timor Prime Minister Jose Ramos-Horta, who took over last week after Mari Alkatiri resigned following weeks of clashes, looting and arson in which at least 20 people died and 100,000 were displaced.

East Timor plunged into political crisis nearly three months ago when Alkatiri dismissed around 600 soldiers, mostly from the country's west, after they protested against discrimination.

Flanked by heavy security, Howard went to the port in Dili, signing autographs and shaking hands as he chatted with Australian troops who lead a 2,500-strong international peacekeeping force that was brought in to restore a shaky peace.

After meeting Ramos-Horta and President Xanana Gusmao, Howard told reporters the security situation had improved, allowing Australia to soon withdraw its troop ship HMAS Kanimbla and some of Australia's military helicopters.

He said Australia would not prematurely withdraw the bulk of about 2,000 troops and police, who would remain as long as they were needed, but added:

"It's important that the impression not be given that we are here indefinitely and that therefore it doesn't really matter what happens within the political processes of the country."

Nobel laureate Ramos-Horta has promised to restore security and confidence to East Timor ahead of general elections next year.

"I have made the point to both Dr Ramos-Horta and to the president that the future of East Timor is in the hands of the East Timorese. It is not in Australian hands," Howard said.

Gusmao told reporters Howard's visit had been "very good. (It) doesn't only give morale but also shows us friendship."

The peacekeeping mission is the second time in recent years Canberra has sent troops to restore order.

Australia led a multi-national force in 1999 following a vote for independence marked by violence blamed largely on pro-Jakarta militia with ties to the Indonesian army.

East Timor became a fully-fledged nation in 2002 after a transitional period of UN administration but it remains one of the world's poorest countries and has massive unemployment.

However, in decades to come it is due to receive billions of dollars from energy resources that are now being developed.

- REUTERS