Transitional UN administration in E Timor

The language of the resolution, to be adopted shortly, is being fine tuned even as the members were consulting their capitals to get the final clearance. The mission is to authorise UNTAET help investigate the massive killings following independence vote in the territory.

The UN peacekeeping mission would comprise 8,500 troops, 1,600 police and 200 military observers. Besides, a contingent of civilian officials is also included, as the UN is expected to administer everything plus the judiciary and help establish basic civil and police administration in the territory.

In the UN supervised referendum on August 30, the former portugese colony had overwhelmingly voted in favour of independence from Indonesia which had attacked and annexed it in mid 19708217;s after the colonial masters suddenly abandoned it.

The Indonesian parliament has already voted to accept the verdict of the referendum and is expected to hand over the territory to UN before the year ends.