UN police for East Timor

26/08/2006 08:15:13

The U-N Security Council has authorised a 600 strong international police force to be sent to maintain security in East Timor.

Michael Rowland the police contingent will gradually take over from the 15-hundred strong Australian military force in East Timor that's been providing security in the country since the outbreak of violence in May.

The U-N has also extended its mission in East Timor by at least six months. Australia's U-N Ambassador, Robert Hill, says the decision will help ensure East Timor can re-build.

Mr Hill says "It's absolutely essential."

"So much needs to be done in East Timor, not only in its political development and development of its institutions, but in building an economy."

Produced by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation