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NZ troops on standby after assassination bid in Timor Leste |
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10:06, February 12, 2008 |
A platoon of New Zealand troops is on standby to go to Timor Leste as President Jose Ramos-Horta fights for his life after an assassination bid.
Australia has said it will send more troops and police following what appeared to be co-coordinated attacks early Monday morning on Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao.
New Zealand Defense Minister Phil Goff said early Tuesday that Ramos-Horta was shot twice, in the back and stomach. While the attack was taking place, Gusmao's convoy was ambushed but the prime minister was uninjured or only slightly injured.
Ramos-Horta was flown to Darwin Monday night and an Australian medical spokesman said he was on life support under an induced coma.
Goff said a platoon of between 20 to 35 troops was on standby to go to Dili, the capital of Timor Leste.
About 140 New Zealand service personnel and 30 Air Force personnel are on the ground in Timor Leste. Australia has about 800 troops on peacekeeping duties.
Goff said New Zealand quick response force was first on the scene after the shooting at the president's residence.
Source: Xinhua
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