NT: Territory pushes Darwin as East Timor base

AAP General News (Australia)
04-07-1999
NT: Territory pushes Darwin as East Timor base

The Northern Territory government has made a strong plea for Darwin to be the base for any
international operation to help strife-torn East Timor.

A 20-page booklet has been unveiled by the territory's Asian Relations Minister, DARYL
MANZIE.

The booklet, described as a capability statement, says Darwin is an important logistical
base to support an external presence in East Timor.

Mr MANZIE says the report provides a snapshot of the territory's capabilities from a
government, business and industry perspective for servicing any future support effort for East
Timor.

Mr MANZIE says a copy has been sent to Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD and will also be sent to
the United Nations.





The booklet points out that Darwin is only 700 kilometres - about 90 minutes flying time -
from Dili.

AAP RTV wjh/lw/jn

KEYWORD: INDON TIMOR NT (DARWIN)

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