Thursday, May 25, 2006
EAST TIMOR TURMOIL
Up to twenty people are dead in East Timor following gun battles with police. Australian troops—invited by the East Timorese—are now on the ground. Evacuees began arriving in Darwin last night. Here’s an earlier, subsequently updated report from the Bulletin’s Paul Toohey, currently on his way back to Dili for more coverage.
UPDATE. Australia has more journalists in East Timor than New Zealand has troops:
New Zealand officials are seeking more information before the government sends troops to East Timor, Prime Minister Helen Clark says ...
“So that’s where we are at the present time. It’s very important not to walk into what is a factional dispute, in some respects, and be seen to be taking sides,” Clark said on National Radio.
“We have to also be mindful the (United Nations) Security Council is having consultations as we speak.”
Don’t take sides, and rely on the UN; it’s the Helen Clark way! The troops themselves are ready to go:
Defence spokesman Mike Shatford said troops were ready and on stand-by.
“It has to come through the prime minister and until we hear from her, we are not in a position to do anything,” he said.
Could be a long wait.
(Via Bill D.)