UN Rejects Australian Police Request to Carry Firearms in East Timor

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations has rebuffed Australian police in East Timor, deciding against allowing them to carry sidearms for their own protection as the territory prepares for an autonomy vote. The decision comes despite rising violence and a recent grenade attack on a UN vehicle, leaving two people injured. The 280-strong police mission, comprising Australian Federal Police and US counterparts, had argued for the right to carry revolvers to counter threats from armed pro-Jakarta militia. However, UN officials cited the organization's long-held policy that civilian police contingents should not be armed.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN has refused to arm Australian police in East Timor, defying concerns over rising violence in the lead-up to the territory's planned autonomy vote.
  • The decision is based on the UN's policy that civilian police contingents should not carry sidearms, with officials arguing that this could signal to the militia that the UN is prepared for a fight.
  • Indonesia has opposed the arming of police during discussions over the final security arrangements, suggesting the country's own military should handle security concerns.
  • The UN Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, has reported on the East Timor mission, raising concerns over the behavior of the Indonesian Army and the presence of armed militia.
  • Discussions are underway to add an unspecified number of military advisers to the mission to improve the UN's monitoring of the Indonesian Army's activities.
  • Senior UN officials have begun talks with Indonesian representatives on the proposal, which is expected to be reported back to the Security Council early next month.

Statistics:

  • 280: The number of police in the UN peacekeeping mission in East Timor.
  • 8 August: The scheduled date for the autonomy vote in East Timor.
  • 2: The number of people injured in a recent grenade attack on a UN vehicle.

Sources:

Article by MARK RILEY, NEW YORK CORRESPONDENT NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY.

The New York Times.

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