Indonesia and international peace-keepers in East Timor have signed an agreement aimed at preventing clashes along the border area between East and West Timor.

The accord was signed by Major-General Kiki Syanakri, for the Indonesian armed forces in West Timor, and Major General Peter Cosgrove, who heads the Australian-led international peace-keeping force in East Timor.

The agreement clarifies responsibility for East Timorese refugees on either side of the border, which now has five recognised crossing points. Thousands fled East Timor to escape the violence of pro-Indonesian militias, or were forcibly deported to West Timor. The pact will also cover relations with the United Nations peacekeeping force to be deployed next month.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service