Urgent Need To Re-Instate 600 East Timorese Soldiers
The Reverend Fred Nile, MLC, National President of the Christian Democratic Party, is very concerned about the ongoing major divisions and violence in East Timor and has proposed a solution.
“I can understand the anger of the 600 soldiers who were suddenly sacked because of their protests over conditions by those with a political agenda.
“Urgent steps should be taken to reinstate the 600 soldiers and place them under military discipline and restore peace and unity.
“Australia could make, if necessary, an emergency grant to pay their salaries for three months.
“If East Timor’s economic conditions still prevent the future employment of such a large army after three months, then a solution would be to seek United Nations’ cooperation. One battalion could be given UN peace-keeping duties in Africa if still necessary in East Timor, so Australian military forces can be withdrawn” said Rev Fred Nile MLC