Dili, 16 March 2000
Jordanian peacekeepers in Oecussi yesterday released three men they detained on Tuesday in the village of Manan, near the south-western border with West Timor. On Tuesday, the local villagers reported to the UN Peacekeeping Force that four militia members were hiding in a house in Manan. One patrol of peacekeepers was deployed and found three men with machetes in the house. After questioning, they were released with no evidence to show they were militia.
UNTAET PKF RULES OF ENGAGEMENT INDETICAL TO INTERFETS
During a press briefing in Dili, UNTAET Peacekeeping Force's senior Public Information Officer, Lt-Colonel Brynyar Nymo stated that recent incidents show that UNTAET Peacekeeping Force has successfully disrupted and prevented known militia groups from action. The UNTAET PKF has established presence in more locations than Interfet had and has extended patrolling and operations throughout even more villages.
In addition, UNTAET PKF is actively involving FSP members (a local unarmed security organization), who continue to provide first rate assistance to the peacekeeping effort.
The UNTAET PKF operates under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which authorizes the use of deadly force when UNTAET, East Timor civilians or certain property is at risk. The UNTAET PKF comprises essentially the same capabilities as the former Interfet. The forces are modern, well equipped, well trained and well led.
(Due to technical difficulties this item was not transmitted in yesterday's briefing note.)
