U.S. – Australia Relations

East Timor -- Unrest and Deployment of Australian Troops

Washington, D.C. — 25 May 2006

Press Statement
Sean McCormack, Spokesman
Washington, DC
May 25, 2006

The United States and the international community have supported the development of East Timor as a democratic country governed according to its Constitution and by rule of law. We hope that the Timorese people and Government will use all opportunities to resolve their differences in a peaceful and democratic manner.

On May 25, Australian forces landed in East Timor in response to a request from that country's government and secured the airport in Dili. We welcome Australia’s timely and decisive response to this crisis.

Our military forces have been working closely with Australian forces and are providing U.S. support as requested. This includes military airlift to assist in positioning Australian forces. New Zealand, Malaysia, and Portugal are also expected to send security forces in response to Government of East Timor requests. We appreciate the leading role being played by Australia and encourage all troop contributing nations to coordinate their activities closely.

2006/547

Original document from www.state.gov.

Last update: Monday, 19 November 2007 GMT+1000