ABRI to remain in E. Timor

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)