|
Statement in relation to the deployment of the Australian
navy taskforce, 15 May 2006
There have been much media reports about the deployment of the
Australian navy taskforce and the arrival in Timor-Leste of a
number of Australian security personnel.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation has been adequately
informed and consulted about all these developments.
Regarding the deployment of the Australian navy taskforce the
Senior Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation,
Dr José Ramos-Horta, has restated that Timor-Leste has
not requested any foreign security assistance as the situation
since April 28 has remained peaceful and stable. Nevertheless,
it views positively such Australian navy deployment. This is the
reason the people of Timor-Leste know that Australia would not
stand by and fail to assist them if ever there was such a need.
In regard to the addition of security arrangements provided to
the Australian Embassy in Dili, in view of the difficulties faced
by Timor-Leste's own authorities in providing effective, visible
and credible security protection as required by the Vienna Convention,
the Government does not see any objection in Australia taking
such measures.
The Government is in possession of the full identities and rank
of all foreign security personnel in Timor-Leste. As a matter
of fact other embassies, such as the US embassy, have special
security arrangements.
It is, though, important to emphasize that during the recent
incidents of April 28, 2006, and even the incidents of December
4, 2002, no foreigner was harmed. Meanwhile the situation throughout
the country is calm.
|
