Fed: Rudd says he wants to determine just what happened

AAP General News (Australia)
02-12-2008
Fed: Rudd says he wants to determine just what happened

CANBERRA, Feb 12 AAP - Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says he wants to avoid rushing into
judgment about who is responsible for protection of East Timor's president and prime minister.

President Jose Ramos-Horta was shot in the stomach during an attack by rebels outside
his home in Dili yesterday morning, while Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao escaped unhurt
after an attack on his car and home.

Mr Rudd said the advice to government today was that the streets of Dili were calm
and the East Timorese government remained in full control of the country.

Mr Rudd will travel to East Timor later this week to meet with defence chiefs and determine
first-hand what additional help Australia can provide following yesterday's suspected
coup attempt

He said close personal protection of East Timor's two leaders was initially performed
by the Australian Defence Force but was handed back to the East Timorese some time ago.

"I want to establish all the facts surrounding that and also the adequacy of the protection
of these important leaders into the future as well," he told ABC radio.

"But I don't think it's aided by engaging now in a commentary of what could have been,
should have been.

"I want to establish the facts first and then we will reach rapid judgments once that
is established about how things can be done more effectively on the ground."

Mr Rudd said Mr Gusmao, during conversations yesterday, had requested extra troops.

The troops, from the ready-reaction force in Townsville, along with Australian Federal
Police and HMAS Perth would reach Dili later today.

Mr Rudd said the duties of the additional troops and police would be a matter for the
force commander in Dili and would not comment on operational matters.

"Our challenge is to work in partnership with our East Timorese friends to ensure that
stability is maintained in that country but we know from past history that this is often
a day-to-day affair.

"We are going to have to be vigilant.

"Hence that's why it is important to have extra assets on the ground quickly."

AAP mb/rl/maur/bwl

KEYWORD: TIMOR RUDD LEAD

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