UNITED NATIONS TRANSITIONAL ADMINISTRATION IN EAST TIMOR Dili, 12 September 2000

CABINET DECIDES ON DEFENCE FORCE STRUCTURE

The Transitional Cabinet of East Timor today approved the establishment of a national defence force based on Option III of the King's College independent study released in August.

This option calls for a defence force built upon a base of Falintil members, with a professional regular corps of 1,500, supported by 1,500 volunteer reservists. These reservists will be based in their home villages and called for training at periodic intervals.

The establishment of the defence force and related security issues will be placed under the administrative responsibility of the Deputy Transitional Administrator, Jean-Christian Cady.

UNTAET will be issuing identity cards to active Falintil members from today, 12 September. Processing of cards is expected to be completed by the end of the week.

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