Source: Agence France-Presse (AFP) Date: 17 Oct 2003 Timor to receive extra food aid from Ireland

DUBLIN, Oct 17 (AFP) - East Timor, is to receive extra aid from Ireland to help alleviate food shortages caused by two years of drought, the foreign ministry said Friday during a visit by President Xana Gusmao.

Following discussions between Gusmao and junior foreign minister Michael Kitt about Ireland's three-million-euro (3.5-million-dollar) aid programme, it was announced that an extra 150,000 euros would be contributed in food aid.

Ireland has had an active involvement in East Timor since 1999. Irish soldiers served with a UN force there.

Gusmao, a former guerrilla leader who became president of his tiny nation of 800,000 people, when the territory finally won its independence from Indonesia in 2002, will hold talks with Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern on Saturday.

see also: Minister Kitt reiterates Ireland's commitment to Timor Leste in discussions with President Gusmao

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