New Zealand to Extend Military Presence in East TimorNew Zealand Defense Minister Mark Burton announced here Sunday that his government is offering to maintain battalion-strength presence in East Timor until November 2002.In a press release issued by the New Zealand government, Burton noted that the battalion-strength deployment of the New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF) was scheduled to end in late May 2002. But, he continued, it is now clear that a United Nations peacekeeping force will probably be required in East Timor beyond that date. "We have always indicated that New Zealand's presence would be kept under constant review. The pace of developing the East Timor Defense Force, continuing militia activity and the political process surrounding the election and independence are critical determinants," he said. "I asked my defense officials to re-examine the feasibility of extending our battalion-strength presence in east Timor. the Chief of Defense Force has now confirmed that the NZDF could conduct a further rotation, covering the period from May 2002 to November 2002," the defense minister said. |
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