Australia Up Close Australia Worries About Toll While Backing E. Timor Force By DARREN McLEAN	フレームで見る  英文をプリントする  脚注をプリントする
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。

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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