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E. Timor to dispatch disaster-relief team to Japan

DILI, March 14, Kyodo

East Timor's government said Monday it will send a 100-member disaster-relief team to Japan to help remove mountains of debris scattered by the violent earthquake and tsunami that hit the northeast of the country last Friday.

Bendito Freitas, secretary of state for professional training and employment, will leave for Japan to prepare for the arrival of the Timorese team.

The disaster-relief team plans to remain in Japan for a month, or longer if required by Japanese authorities.

The Timorese relief team will consist of military personnel, police officers, Red Cross personnel, young volunteers, a small medical team and interpreters.

Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao's Cabinet approved the relief measure in a meeting Monday.

Gusmao expressed his condolences to Japanese Ambassador to East Timor Iwao Kitahara and told him of the Timorese government's plan to dispatch the disaster-relief team to Japan.

==Kyodo

source: http://english.kyodonews.jp/