The Singapore Government has decided to participate in the UN-authorised Multi-National Force (MNF) for East Timor. It is doing so in response to calls by Indonesia for ASEAN participation in the MNF, and to approaches from the UN Secretary General and Australia to the Singapore Government. In Auckland, ASEAN leaders agreed that ASEAN countries would participate in an MNF, provided it was sanctioned by the UN and had Indonesia’s consent.

Singapore’s contribution will comprise a medical detachment, military observers, logistics support and two Landing Ships Tank (LST). A total of about 250 personnel will be involved. An SAF advance planning team of 7 officers has arrived in Darwin to coordinate the SAF’s deployment in the MNF. The leader of the SAF contingent is expected to arrive in East Timor tomorrow (18 Sep 99) with the advance party of the MNF. One LST will set sail tomorrow, and arrive in Darwin by 28 Sep 99. The second LST will depart once it has completed preparations. The medical detachment is on standby and will deploy as soon as details are finalised.

. . . . .