Timor Leste PM not to hold talks with rebel leader

www.chinaview.cn
2006-05-25 21:36:23

CANBERRA, May 25 (Xinhua) -- Timor Leste Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri said Thursday night that he was not prepared to hold talks with rebel military commander Alfredo Reinardo.
"This is not a political issue because above all two days ago he became a criminal," Alkatiri told Australia's SBS TV.

He also said he was prepared to take responsibility for the situation in his country, which has been plagued by unrest since nearly 600 soldiers were fired earlier this year.
"Of course the fault is mine and I will take responsibility," he said.

Meanwhile, Reinardo said Australian soldiers on deployment have nothing to fear from the troops he commands.

Australia has decided to send troops to Timor Leste at its request for military assistance to help restore order. The first group of 150 Australian troops arrived in Timor Leste's capital of Dili Thursday afternoon to secure the perimeter of Dili international airport.

"They didn't worry about my side. Don't worry, I'm with you. I'm with Australia. I'm with peacekeeping forces. I'm ready to cooperate with them based on any agreement that will be reached by our President," Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio quoted Reinardo as saying.

Reinardo said he is willing to listen to Timor Leste President Xanana Gusmao, but has rejected the authority of the government as a whole.

Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said Thursday night that an Australian delegation is currently in talks with Gusmao over the rules of engagement for Operation Astute, code of Australia's military action in Timor Leste.

The delegation would also hold talks with Alkatiri after meeting with the president.