Subject: LUSA: Oz opposition demands int'l observers
in ET
Date: Mon, 26 Oct 1998 06:42:35 -0500 (EST)
From: "Sharon R.A. Scharfe" <pet@web.net>26 OUT 98 - 10:19 East
Timor/Australia: Australian opposition demands presence of International observers in East
Timor
Sydney, Oct. 26 (Lusa) - The Australian opposition demanded on Sunday the presence of
international observers in East Timor to monitor the occupied territory's military
situation. The demand is contained in a communique issued by shadow foreign minister
Laurie Brereton faxed on LUSA in Sydney.
The communique was issued in reaction to Australian newpaper reports that as few as 140
Indonesian combat troops have been withdrawn from East Timor in recent weeks, leaving some
7,500 troops still in the occupied territory. The "Australian" newspaper said
any troops withdrawn from East Timor were largely being replaced and casualties were still
being inflicted in sporadic clashes with FRETELIN freedom fighters.
While Jakarta has promised a "significant" troop reduction, independence
observers claim fresh combat troops have been brought in, apart from three police mobile
brigade companies.
Lusa/Fim
Copyright© 1996 Agência Lusa E-Mail Agência Lusa
Back to October Menu
Back to Main Postings Menu & Site Search Engine |
