Antara - The Indonesian National News Agency

September 23, 2003

TNI-UNPKF STEP UP BORDER SECURITY ARRANGEMENT

Kupang (NTT), September 23 (ANTARA) - The Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) in cooperation with the United Nations Peace Keeping Force (UNPKF) and the Civil Police (Civpol) have jointly increased security patrol along the border between the Republic of Indonesia and the Republic of Timor Leste.

The increased joint security arrangement has been made following the shooting to death of former East Timor refugee at the border area last week. Colonel Moeswarno Moesanip, Chief of the Wirasakti Military Resort (Korem), said here Tuesday that the joint security arrangement had been made to prevent the possible repercussion of the death of the East Timor refugee.

The former East Timor refugee, Vegas Billiatu, was shot to death by the Timor Leste National Police during their border patrol operation.

Vegas Billiatu was caught red-handed entering the Timor Leste area without necessary immigration documents.

The Timor Leste police revealed that Vegas Biliatu had first attacked the East Timor police with an arrow.

Meanwhile, Chief of the East Nusatenggara Regional Police Command (Kapolda) Brigadier General Edward Aritonang said he had asked the Timor Leste police to investigate the death of Vegas Billiatu who is Indonesian citizen.

Brigadier General Edward Aritonang expressed hope that the shooting incident would not affect the good bilateral relations between the Republic of Indonesia and the Republic of Timor Leste.

The Regional Police also asked former East Timor refuges living in the Indonesian territories not to be affected by the shooting incident which was described as casual in nature.

Security authorities of the Republic of Indonesia and Republic of Timor Leste have also intensified joint patrol against black market practices along the border between the Indonesia and Timor Leste, Brigadier General Edward Aritonang said.

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