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United Nations

Malaysia to Send Peacekeeping Force to East Timor

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Malaysia is considering sending a peacekeeping force of between 1,500 to 1,700 personnel to East Timor under the United Nations command, following the island's independence referendum in August. The decision was announced by Defense Minister Abang Abu Bakar Mustapha, who stated that Malaysia's peacekeepers have a track record of being fair and impartial in previous missions. The move is part of the U.N. Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) team, and discussions are underway in New York between Malaysia's Permanent Representative to the U.N. and U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan.

Key Takeaways:

  • Malaysia plans to send a peacekeeping force of 1,500 to 1,700 personnel to East Timor under the U.N. command.
  • The force will be part of the U.N. Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) team.
  • Malaysia's Defense Minister Abang Abu Bakar Mustapha stated that Malaysia's peacekeepers have a track record of being fair and impartial in previous missions.
  • The decision to send the peacekeeping force is pending discussions between Malaysia's Permanent Representative to the U.N. and U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan in New York.
  • Malaysia currently has 50 personnel in the International Force in East Timor, with 30 observers and 20 liaison officers.
  • Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi expressed hope that East Timor will no longer be a problem in the region after the independence referendum.

Statistics:

  • 1,500 to 1,700: The number of personnel Malaysia plans to send to East Timor as part of the peacekeeping force.
  • 50: The number of Malaysian personnel currently serving in the International Force in East Timor.
  • 30: The number of Malaysian observers serving in the International Force in East Timor.
  • 20: The number of Malaysian liaison officers serving in the International Force in East Timor.

Sources:

  • XINHUA, Kuala Lumpur (Oct. 21) - Malaysia may send a peacekeeping force to East Timor, Defense Minister Abang Abu Bakar Mustapha said Thursday.
  • Bernama news agency, Port Dickson (Oct. 21) - Malaysia's Defense Minister Abang Abu Bakar Mustapha discussed the possibility of sending a large contingent to East Timor under the U.N. Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) team.
  • COMTEX, Kuala Lumpur (Oct. 21) - Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi expressed hope that East Timor will no longer be a problem in the region after the independence referendum.

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