§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representatives the UK has in East Timor; what is their status; and if he will make a statement on their role and functions. [110488]
§ Mr. BattleWe have already opened a temporary British Office in Dili staffed, at First Secretary level, by a member of HM Diplomatic Service. The officer's role is to cultivate Britain's relationship with the East Timorese and the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) during the first months of the territory's transition to independence.
Our diplomatic presence is in addition to the 14 British police officers and four military observers assigned to UNTAET.