CANBERRA, Australia, May 15 (UPI) -- Hundreds of troops were on standby in Australia Monday to join a naval task force set to sail to troubled East Timor.
The task force is comprised of the amphibious vessels HMAS Tobruk, Manoora and Kanimbla and the frigate Adelaide. The ships are currently in Darwin.
"We are making sure we are in a position to give a timely response, and I carry a reasonable expectation that we won't be providing assistance," The Australian quoted Defense Minister Brendan Nelson as saying Monday. "It is necessary we are ready."
East Timor, a former Portuguese colony annexed by Indonesia, gained independence through U.N.-sponsored elections after years of nationalist conflict. Political turmoil is now buffeting the government following demonstrations by soldiers who accuse the military of regional discrimination.
The 600 troops demonstrated in the capitol of Dili, and subsequent rioting in the city left at least five people dead. The troops have since gone into hiding in the hills with smaller numbers of police who support them.
The United Nations has extended its advisory role in the country as a result of the unrest.
Australia has said it will send troops to help stabilize the country if the East Timorese government requested the help.
Reports said Australian troops on standby number about 800.
