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UN slated to start downsizing East Timor peacekeeping force next week

UN slated to start downsizing East Timor peacekeeping force next week

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The gradual downsizing of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in East Timor is scheduled to start next week as the territory heads towards its independence in early 2002, the UN Transitional Administration (UNTAET) said today.

The 264-strong Kenyan peacekeeping contingent, which has been based in Gleno, Ermera District, since December 2000, will leave East Timor on 16 November. The Portuguese battalion based in the capital, Dili, will take over the duties currently undertaken by the Kenyans.

The United Nations Security Council last month agreed that the number of UN peacekeepers in East Timor would be reduced over the next six months to some 5,000 from the present 8,000.

As East Timor heads towards independence on 20 May 2002, the UN Peacekeeping Force and the UN civilian administration will gradually withdraw, turning over greater responsibility for running the territory to the East Timorese transitional government.

The first East Timor Defence Force battalion will be deployed to the eastern sector early next year once the area has been vacated by UN peacekeepers, and will be operationally ready in June 2002. At the current schedule, the second battalion will not be operational until late 2003, while the whole force will not be free standing until mid-2004.