Fed: Parliament c ttee views destruction in East Timor

AAP General News (Australia)
12-20-1999
Fed: Parliament c ttee views destruction in East Timor

An Australian Senate committee has found that the security situation in East Timor
improved dramatically as a result INTERFET's operation there.

The joint standing committee on foreign affairs, defence and trade has found that the
proposed transition to a United Nations force earlier than expected was ample evidence
of INTERFET's success.

Committee members visited East Timor in August to observe the aftermath of the independence
referendum and ultimately watched the wave of violence unfold.

The committee made a return visit early this month.

Its report says Dili had been left with little remaining infrastructure and many of
the buildings have been reduced to burnt-out shells.

Similarly, Suai had been devastated and had been almost deserted when INTERFET troops arrived.

The people had nevertheless displayed a remarkable determination and enthusiasm to rebuild.

The committee sent a message to Australian troops in the INTERFET force acknowledging
that the success of the INTERFET mission was in no small part due to their commitment
and professionalism.

AAP RTV dep/jn

KEYWORD: TIMOR COMMITTEE (CANBERRA)

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