DILI, 12 september 2024 (TATOLI)-Timor-Leste celebrates 25 years of International Force East Timor’s (INTERFET) arrival by holding various activities.
This was confirmed during an orientation by Ambassador Nelson Santos and Vicky Tchong, of the International Relations Service of the Presidency of the Republic, to the Council of Ministers on the INTERFET 25th anniversary celebration program.
“The event included a series of lectures on 13 September and on 14 September. After that, the celebrations continue with a parade, futsal games, and a community concert. On 20 September, the date marking the 25th anniversary of INTERFET’s arrival in Timor-Leste, a solemn ceremony and futsal festival will be held at the Headquarters of the Council of National Liberation,’ said the Council of Ministers meeting, which was accessed by TATOLI.
The celebration aims to honor the historical role of INTERFET and the sacrifices made by the Timorese people and veterans of the International Force Timor-Leste, encouraging collective reflection on the period before, during, and after the intervention.
The International Force East Timor (INTERFET) was a multinational non-United Nations peacemaking task force, organized and led by Australia in accordance with United Nations resolutions to address the humanitarian and security crisis that took place in East Timor from 1999–2000 until the arrival of UN peacekeepers. INTERFET was commanded by an Australian military officer, Major General Peter Cosgrove.
INTERFET was established under UN Security Council Resolution 1264 on 15 September 1999, which called for the deployment of an international force to restore security and support the UN mission in the region. INTERFET’s main objectives were to end the violence, protect civilians, and support humanitarian relief efforts.
INTERFET troops began deploying to Timor-Leste on 20 September 1999. The force comprised approximately 11,500 personnel from 22 countries, with Australia as the largest troop provider. Command of the operation was in the hands of Australian General Peter Cosgrove. The mission succeeded in securing Dili and the surrounding areas and helped restore order.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
