HL Deb 25 January 2000 vol 608 c187WA
Lord Moynihan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) is adequately resourced to cope with the country's transition to independence. [HL570]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

In its Resolution 1272, the UN Security Council authorised a manpower contribution of up to 8,950 troops, 200 military observers and 1,640 civilian police officers for UNTAET as recommended by the Secretary General. The priority now is to ensure rapid deployment of civilian police and other civilian staff. The UK has deployed 14 civilian police and four military observers to the territory. In addition, a UN-World Bank donor meeting held in Tokyo last December received pledges of US$ 520 million for East Timor's reconstruction, development and humanitarian needs over the next three years. The UK committed US$ 20 million, in addition to our earlier commitment of £5.5 million for humanitarian relief and £1 million to support UNTAET. We are pressing for early and effective disbursement of this.