DPA Australian navy surveys East Timor coastline

Dili, East Timor

Two ships from the Royal Australian Navy have completed a survey of East Timor's rugged northern coast including the Oecussi enclave, it was stated Friday.

The survey followed a request from the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), a military spokesman said.

The survey was designed to result in the release of more up-to- date charts for coastal shipping.

East Timor's coastline is strewn with dangerous reefs, many of which pose a hazard for increasing numbers of vessels operating under charter for the UN humanitarian mission.

In December the RAN vessels will return and map the southern coast, the spokesman said.

Australia is the biggest military contributor to the UNTAET mission with more than 1,500 men and women from all three armed services based in East Timor.

Late last year, Royal Australian Air Force F-111 bombers based in Amberley Queensland, were seen flying over parts of the north coast as part of an aerial surveillance mission mapping roads and bridges.

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