Fed: More Aust troops coming home from East Timor

AAP General News (Australia)
12-10-2009
Fed: More Aust troops coming home from East Timor

CANBERRA, Dec 10 AAP - Australia continues to reduce its troop numbers in a more peaceful
East Timor with 100 soldiers set to return home by Christmas.

Defence Minister John Faulkner says Australia's contribution to the International Stabilisation
Force (ISF) would be reduced to 400 personnel - down from 650 - by February.

The overall size of the joint Australian-New Zealand force will decrease from 800 to
550 personnel.

The reduction was agreed following extensive discussions with East Timor's leadership,
the United Nations and New Zealand.

"The security situation in East Timor has remained stable since the February 2008 attacks
on East Timor's president and prime minister," Senator Faulkner said in a statement.

The decision to reduce Australian troop numbers recognised the continuing calm security
situation and efforts to maintain that position by the East Timor government and its people,
he said.

The ISF would increase its focus on capacity building of the East Timorese military forces.

The planned drawdown will start with about 100 personnel returning to Australia in mid-December.

Others will come home progressively in the new year.

"The Australian servicemen and women completing their deployments can now look forward
to a period of leave, reconstitution and training back in Australia following their time
in East Timor," Senator Faulkner said.

New Zealand's contribution to ISF will remain unchanged at 150 personnel.

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KEYWORD: TIMOR AUST

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