The Initiation of Preparations for Dispatching a Self Defense Force Engineer Unit to Peace-Keeping Operations in East Timor

November 6, 2001

The Government of Japan has decided to proceed with necessary preparations in view of dispatching a Self Defense Force Engineer Unit to a post-independence PKO mission in East Timor by next spring. The dispatch is in response to a strong expectation for Japan's cooperation expressed by U. N. officials and the East Timorese leadership.
In East Timor, the Constituent Assembly Elections were held on August 30 in a peaceful and fair manner, and currently, endeavors are under way for its independence. After independence, a succession mission of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) is expected to be established. The Government of Japan intends to continue its utmost efforts to cooperate for East Timor's nation-building.
The Government of Japan considers that the dispatch will contribute to the stability of East Timor and peace and security in the entire Asian region as well as establishing close bilateral relations with the new Government of East Timor.

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