Australia says troops to stay in Timor

Australia says troops to stay in Timor

AUSTRALIA: Australian Defense Force chief Gen. Peter Cosgrove said on Sunday his troops should remain in East Timor until citizens of the fledgling nation feel secure.

Speaking after returning to Australia following a brief visit to East Timor on Saturday, he said Australia should remain in East Timor even after the United Nations pulls out in May next year.

"It's not for us to put a time on it, we should stay here as long as the East Timorese think they need us and we're prepared to be here for as long as they want," he told ABC radio.

Cosgrove said how long Australia remained East Timor was a question for the government but he was keen to act as a good neighbor to the country.

"We are prepared to be here for the long haul, assisting East Timor with these types of practical projects."

Australia has about 440 troops in East Timor as part of the UN peacekeeping force, representing about a quarter of its total strength. -- AFP