Australia's Role in East Timor Under Scrutiny

Strategic Insights -

The Australian Labor Party (ALP) has expressed concern over the government's decision to support a US call to end the United Nations peacekeeping mission in East Timor within months. This move is contrary to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's recommendation to extend the mission for another year. ALP's foreign affairs spokesman Kevin Rudd criticized the government's response, stating that it "smells to us of a government cutting and running from its responsibilities in Timor-Leste."

The UN Security Council met on Monday to consider Annan's report on the mission's future. The United States was the only council member not to endorse Annan's call to extend the operations of a scaled-down United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor for a year until May 2006. Rudd emphasized the importance of an extended mission, citing Annan's reasons for the continued presence, including the ongoing deficiencies in the border patrol capabilities of the East Timorese and the unresolved border negotiations between Indonesia and the government of Timor-Leste.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Australian Labor Party (ALP) has expressed concern over the government's decision to support a US call to end the United Nations peacekeeping mission in East Timor.
  • UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan recommended extending the mission for another year, but the government sided with the US.
  • ALP's foreign affairs spokesman Kevin Rudd criticized the government's response, stating it resembled "cutting and running from responsibilities" in Timor-Leste.
  • The UN Security Council met to consider Annan's report on the mission's future, with the US being the only member not to endorse the extension.
  • Annan cited ongoing border patrol deficiencies and unresolved border negotiations as reasons for the continued mission.
  • Australia has the third-largest contingent in East Timor, with 112 troops and police deployed there.

Statistics:

  • 112: The number of Australian troops and police deployed in East Timor.
  • May 2006: The proposed end date for the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor, as recommended by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

Sources:

  • Xinhua News Agency, "Australia still plays vital role in East Timor: Labor Party", Mar 1, 2005.