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Australia to cut Timor troops
Mr Howard: Australia cannot fulfil all its UN tasks |
Australian forces which led the international effort to restore peace to East Timor will be cut by half once the UN administration formally assumes control of the region early next year.
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The move comes just over a week after Australia announced a special levy to pay for its peacekeeping presence in the territory. The money, Mr Howard said, would provide for two new infantry battalions and aid for refugees and reconstruction.
Australian troops account for over half the 7,500 Timor peacekeepers |
"Australia had already given very high amounts of aid as well as making the major military contribution," he said. "We will commit substantial resources, but I'm not going to try and put a figure on that because I don't think anyone quite knows how far it goes."
Australian troops currently account for over half of the 7,500 international soldiers deployed in East Timor.
Their arrival ended a bloody three-week rampage by Indonesian troops and their militia allies in the wake of an overwhelming vote for independence at the end of August..
Last month, the UN Security Council approved a blue beret contingent of more than 9,000 soldiers and 1,600 policemen to take over from the current emergency force once the world body formally takes over region in order to guide it to independence.
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See also: |
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27 Nov 99 | Asia-Pacific |
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Requiem for Timor 'martyrs' |
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27 Nov 99 | Asia-Pacific |
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UN sets rules for Timor transition |
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16 Nov 99 | Asia-Pacific |
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UN effort in East Timor under fire |
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27 Oct 99 | Asia-Pacific |
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UN wants $200m for East Timor |
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23 Nov 99 | Asia-Pacific |
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Holbrooke issues warning on Timor |
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03 Nov 99 | Asia-Pacific |
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UN teams snatch Timor refugees |
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23 Nov 99 | Asia-Pacific |
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Australians to pay Timor tax |
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Internet links: |
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East Timor Human Rights Centre |
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East Timor International Support Centre - Bishop Belo profile |
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UN Mission in East Timor |
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Prime Minister and Cabinet of Australia |
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