China will send 15 civil policemen to the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor at the request of the United Nations, an official of the Chinese Ministry of Public Security said in Beijing Tuesday.

The first ten of the group of 15 policemen will leave Beijing for their mission in east Timor Wednesday, the official said, adding that this will be the first time China sends members of its police force abroad.

Chinese minister of public security Jia Chunwang Tuesday met with the first ten civil policemen in Beijing, and said that as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has long and carefully performed its responsibilities ordained by the UN Charter and played an active role in maintaining world and regional peace and stability.

He said that joining the UN Peace mission in East Timor now is one of a series of important diplomatic efforts by China, and once again demonstrates China's support of UN Peace-keeping activities.

He asked the policemen who are going abroad to strictly observe all regulations and do their best to accomplish their mission.

The 15 peace-keeping civil policemen were selected from all parts of the country and have received special training.

Photo: Jia Chunwang (right), minister of public security, shakes hands with peacekeeping policemen January 11 in Beijing before the officiers leave for East Timor.

(Xinhua)