MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
The Australian Government welcomes the successful completion of the first United Nations emergency food drop operation in East Timor.
Two Australian Defence Force C130 Hercules departed Darwin this afternoon and are due to arrive back in Australia later this evening. They have reported successful delivery of at least 20 tonnes of rice as well as blankets to around 15,000-20,000 internally displaced people in East Timor. As part of this operation Australia provided air transport, the expert technical crews and logistical support.
This signals the beginning of the international effort to relieve the suffering of thousands of East Timorese people. Flight clearances obtained from the Government of Indonesia allowed the food drops international emergency relief operation to begin.
The combined effects of the conflict and the dry season have left thousands of people in East Timor in dire circumstances over the last few weeks. Many people at the relief drop sites are women, children and elderly people who are especially vulnerable. There have been disturbing reports of a significant number of deaths due to malnutrition at the sites which received assistance today.
I am sure most Australians will take some comfort knowing the international emergency relief operation has begun.
Media contacts:
Innes Willox (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500 / 0419 206 890
Matt Francis (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 / 0412 804 489