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Australia marks 10 years in East Timor

Australia led the multi-national peacekeeping force. (Department of Defence)

Today marks the 10th anniversary of Australia's involvement in East Timor's multi-national peacekeeping force.

In 1999, East Timor was rebuilding after the violence which followed its overwhelming vote for independence from Indonesia in a UN-sponsored referendum.

On September 20, the International Force for East Timor (INTERFET) arrived in Dilli, led by Australian General Peter Cosgrove.

Australia contributed 5,700 troops to INTERFET.

Twenty-one other nations also contributed - including the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand, Britain, the United States, and Canada.

Defence Minister Senator John Faulkner says Australian soldiers prevented further bloodshed in the fledgling country.

"The speed and effectiveness of Australian forces in stemming the violence during the early days of INTERFET bears testimony to the quality and professionalism of Australian troops," he said.

Historian Steve Bullard says a commemorative address will be held today at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra to remember Australia's contribution.

"INTERFET in particular is important because it is the largest peacekeeping mission that Australia ever embarked on, and it was also the first time we had been the lead nation and also supplied the commander for that force," he said.

"It was the largest force we had sent over sea of any kind since the Vietnam War, and so marking 10 years is certainly a significant anniversary."

source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/09/20/2691013.htm?site=news