Also - TNI intensifying security operations in E. Nusa Tenggara - E. Timor region

Sending of troops to RI-E. Timor borders unlikely

Feb 24, 2006

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) has not yet decided to send more troops to the Indonesian-East Timor border areas following the heated situation in Dili in the run-up to the presidential election in April, 2007, in the nascent state, a military spokesman said.

What had happened recently in East Timor`s capital of Dili was an internal problem so that the country`s security authority and the UN peacekeeping troops commissioned there were responsible for the question, Chief of the TNI headquarters` Public Information Office Col. Ahmad Yani Basuki said here Friday.

Yani pointed out that the situation in the border areas was relatively conducive so that no more troops were needed yet.

It was earlier reported that two people died when a number of people in Dili looted the UN`s rice warehouse as the newly born country is now facing serious shortage of food but the security condition is under control.

It was reported from New York, the UN Security Council by acclamation approved on Thursday (Feb 22) the draft resolution to extend the mandate on the existence of the peacekeeping mission in East Timor until February 26 next year.

Meanwhile in Dili, a number of people had protested the government for the insufficient stock of rice and the situation had become headed in the run-up to the impending presidential and legislative elections.

East Timor scheduled the presidential election on April 9 and would set the date for the legislative election afterward.

The draft resolution wanted the United Nations Integrated Mission In Timor Leste (UNMIT) to remain staying in the country temporarily with additional number of police personnel. (*)

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TNI intensifying security operations in E. Nusa Tenggara - E. Timor region

February 23, 2007

Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Military (TNI) has intensified its security operations along the border between East Nusa Tenggara province and East Timor following security disturbances in Dili, capital of East Timor Leste on Wednesday.

"Our soldiers are kept on alert position. So far, there is no clash in the border area," Head of the Military District Command of Wirasakti Col. Arief Rachman told ANTARA News when reached by phone from Denpasar, Bali.

Previously, AFP reported that seven United Nations (UN) police officers were injured in a clash on Wednesday when they were on patrol in the former Indonesian province.

Some UN police cars in three locations had been destroyed. Seven UN police officers were injured in the incident when they were trying to uphold the law in the former Portugese colony, Atul Khare, a United Nations envoy told AFP.

The UN Police has also arrested 79 people on Tuesday for involvement in the unrest in the roads of Dili, after the last incident took place in April and May last year that killed 37 people.

Arief said although the unrest in Dili was the internal affair of East Timor but Indonesia bordering directly with the new country had to maintain its integrity against any disturbances.

Asked on the possible exodus of Timorese people into Indonesia following the incident, he said such the possibility was slim.

"If it happens, we will protect them and look for a way to send them back under the prevailing immigration rules," he added.

While on a possible reforcement there, he said the number of soldiers was quite enough to control the situation. (*)

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