East Timor, Indonesia to begin survey to demarcate common land borders, UN says

East Timor and Indonesia will begin a 10-day joint survey next month to demarcate their common land borders, the United Nations Transitional Administration (UNTAET) said today.

The survey, which will start 11 March, will include the tactical coordination lines that divide East Timor and Indonesian West Timor and surround East Timor’s Oecussi enclave, UNTAET said. The joint team will attempt to locate old border markers and study geological features, local social issues and technical issues during the survey.

Local communities on both sides will be consulted during the process, UNTAET said. UN peacekeepers and members of the Indonesian armed forces will provide security.