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09:22, April 27, 2008 |
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced on Saturday his country would withdraw 200 troops deployed to Timor-Leste in response to the rebel attacks on the country's president and prime minister on Feb. 11.
Rudd said the Australian and Timorese governments had assessed the security situation as stable following the return home of Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos Horta and the lifting of a state of emergency.
The decision means a rifle company group will not be replaced when it completes its tour of duty on Sunday.
After the Feb. 11 attacks, the Timor-Leste government requested the immediate deployment of additional defense and police personnel.
Rudd said in a statement that his Timor-Leste counterpart Xanana Gusmao had written to him supporting this decision. Gusmao "has thanked Australia for its assistance following the attacks and for our continuing support."
After the return of the extra troops, the Australian will have an approximately 750 personnel in Timor-Leste.
Source: Xinhua
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