NZ Defence Minister to visit East Timor

Last Update: Wednesday, June 7, 2006. 8:35am (AEST)

New Zealand's Defence Minister Phil Goff will visit East Timor today to meet politicians and members of the New Zealand Defence force serving there.

Mr Goff's trip coincides with his country's decision to send another $1 million in aid to ease the humanitarian crisis.

There are currently about 160 New Zealand defence force personnel in Timor, including eight military police.

They are serving as peacekeepers as part of a 2,500-strong multinational force from Australia, Portugal and Malaysia.

Mr Goff says his visit is intended to give him a first-hand impression of the tasks the Defence Force is undertaking there, and what more needs to be done to restore security and stability.
Mr Goff says dealing with underlying causes including poverty and unemployment will be a critical task requiring a major international effort.