§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what British forces are operating in and around the East Timor theatre; and what their role is within the United Nations contingent. [1181]
§ Mr. IngramFour British observers are currently deployed in support of the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET). Their roles typically include observation, monitoring and reporting; registration and negotiation between belligerent factions and other agencies. In addition, an Army legal officer has recently been seconded to the Office for Defence Force Development (ODFD) to assist with the development of the new East Timorese Defence Force (ETDF).
Two British servicemen currently serving on exchange programmes with the Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces are also deployed to East Timor with their host units.