Posted on 08/02/2006 6:23:18 PM PDT by naturalman1975
THE government has started cutting troop numbers in East Timor but up to 2000 personnel could remain in place until the security situation fully stabilises.
Prime Minister John Howard flagged the reduction when he visited Dili last month on his first trip to the tiny nation since it erupted in violence three months ago.
Australia had about 3000 army, navy and air force personnel in Timor at the height of its operation.
Defence today released a statement which said it had begun a gradual reduction of its forces in Timor after assessing that the security situation had improved in Dili.
"As the security situation continues to improve and the focus moves more to police operations, elements of the military force that were essential in the initial deployment will return to Australia and their families," it said.
But it said there was no timeline on how the withdrawal of troops would occur.
Decisions would be based on careful monitoring of the conditions, it said.
"Although some personnel and equipment are returning to Australia, a robust Australian military force will remain," Defence said.
Over the last 10 days, navy assets involved in the initial deployment, HMAS Kanimbla and three army Blackhawk helicopters, have returned to Australia.
Defence said that over the next few weeks an infantry company, about 23 armoured personnel carriers (APC) and crews, and some logistic and headquarters staff were also due to return.
However, an Australian force of around 2000 would remain in Timor.
"Further reductions are anticipated in due course as the security situation continues to improve and a comprehensive civilian logistic support contract is implemented," Defence said.
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