ABRI to remain in E. Timor

DILI, East Timor: Despite a recent troop withdrawal, the rotation of military units for duties in East Timor will continue, a local military official said.

"The activities are for humanitarian purposes such as in the fields of health and counseling to encourage people to build a better future," the chief of staff of the Dili military command, Lt. Col. Supadi, said here yesterday.

A total of 398 combat troops were pulled out from the province on July 28.

Five territorial battalions are still deployed in 13 East Timor districts to help development in various sectors, Antara reported yesterday.

"If the situation in East Timor becomes unsafe, more troops will be sent in again," he said, adding that "if the situation remains peaceful, the present number will be maintained." (rms)