UNHCR wants TNI's help in West Timor

UNHCR wants TNI's help in West Timor

JAKARTA: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
(UNHCR) has expressed hope that the Indonesian Military (TNI)
will continue to help with the repatriation of East Timorese
refugees currently sheltering in West Timor.

"The government has set the deadline for the program at the
end of August, but the UNHCR hopes that officers of the military
command can continue to help in the repatriation program until
December 31 this year," Belu Military Commander Lt. Col. Tjuk
Agus Minahasa said in Atambua, East Nusa Tenggara, which borders
with East Timor, on Wednesday.

The commander added that even though he needed to discuss the
matter with all the authorities involved, the military district
command had no problems in helping the UNHCR till the end of the
year.

"If the Indonesian Military chief approves the wishes of the
UNHCR and other UN institutions in East Timor, we will have
absolutely no problems," Agus Minahasa said. -- Antara