Australia Up Close
Australia Worries About Toll While Backing E. Timor Force
By DARREN McLEAN
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東ティモールに豪が軍を派遣
8月30日の住民投票で独立派が圧勝したにもかかわらず、インドネシア併合派の民兵による残虐行為が続いていた東ティモールに、先月20日、豪主導の国際軍が派遣されました。一日も早く地域に平和が訪れることを、ティモールの住民と豪国民は望んでいます。
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In Australia's largest military operation since the Vietnam War, the
Australian Defense Force has committed 4,500 troops to lead a multinational peacekeeping force into troubled East Timor.
For the past 25 years East Timor has experienced trauma and conflict as
Indonesia struggles against the East Timorese people for autonomous control
of the small territory.
In the months leading up to the Aug. 30 referendum for independence,
conflict between the East Timorese and pro-Indonesian militia escalated to
new heights, with, according to reports, 20,000 East Timorese slaughtered in
a horrific campaign of terror.
But even after months of savage killings and intimidation by
pro-Indonesian militia, 98 percent of East Timor's population went to the ballot box to decide their country's future. An overwhelming 78.5 percent
voted in favor of independence for East Timor.
Celebrations were short-lived, however, after pro-Indonesian militia
continued their rampage with a string of killings and other violence,
centered in the capital of Dili. Some 150,000 civilians were forced to flee
East Timor, and more than 2,500 stormed the United Nations compound in
Dili, desperately seeking a safe haven from the militia's terror campaign.
After calls for an international peacekeeping force and the continually
worsening security crisis in East Timor, the United Nations Security Council
approved the intervention of a 7,500-strong multinational force, called
Operation Stabilize. Led by the Australian Defense Force, Operational
Stabilize is Australia's largest military commitment since the Vietnam War
30 years ago.
Despite Indonesian President B.J. Habibie's public approval of a U.N. force,
the Indonesian government was quick to object to Australia's involvement
in the conflict.
Upon announcement of Australia's major role in the peacekeeping force, a key
security agreement between Indonesia and Australia was canceled and anti-
Australia protests broke out in the streets of Jakarta.
In a somber address to the nation, Prime Minister John Howard explained
that despite Indonesia's objection to Australian intervention, it was in
Australia's best interests to do so.
"If there had been an alternative to sending in peacekeeping forces, then
we would have followed it. Our soldiers go to East Timor as part of a great
military tradition ... to defend what is right," said Howard.
Sixteen days after the announcement of the referendum results, Operation
Stabilize began with 2,000 Australian troops landing in Dili, ready to face
whatever trouble they might encounter.
The peacekeeping force quickly took control of Dili's wasted streets
without any casualties or shots being fired, despite threats of severe
violence should international forces enter East Timor.
The troops swiftly secured the Dili airport and wharves to allow safe
arrival of further troops, food and medical supplies.
It appears the militia have generally cooperated to date with the
multinational peacekeeping force, moving away from the destroyed city to their
mountain bases.
Upon the arrival of the peacekeeping force, thousands of East Timorese poured down from the hills into Dili. Despite finding a desolate ghost town and
smoldering ruins that were once their homes, the refugees were seen
dancing in the streets and shedding tears of joy at the hope of a secure
East Timor.
Australia is now preparing to maintain its 4,500-strong force for more than a
year.
In such conflicts soldiers' families suffer too, as they wait patiently and
hope for the safe return of their loved ones. Australian troops may spend up
to nine months at a time in East Timor before they are allowed to return to
Australia to see their families and take a well-earned break.
At home in Australia there is concern over the economic impact that Operation
Stabilize will have on the Australian economy. With an initial cost to deploy
troops running to A$100 million (¥15.6 billion), it is estimated that
Australia's commitment to rebuilding East Timor will run into the billions
within the next year or so.
However, financial outlay has little weight when compared with the risk of
Australian soldiers being killed. All Australians are praying that our
assistance in East Timor comes with minimal cost in lives and hoping that
our help will bring long-term peace and stability to troubled East Timor.
Shukan ST: Oct. 8, 1999
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