Print this page Timor leaders must do better: PM 05jun06 EAST Timor's political leaders must deliver a better future for their people, Prime Minister John Howard said today. Part of the East Timorese capital of Dili was terrorised by gangs again yesterday, with houses torched while Australian and Malaysian troops patrolled nearby. Mr Howard today urged the East Timor Government to work towards a better future. "There does need to be a concerted effort by the political leadership of East Timor," Mr Howard said. "It came to this path because of poor governance and the responsibility is on the political leaders of that country. "And I have a right as prime minister of Australia, given the commitment we have made, to say to the political leadership it carries a very heavy responsibility and it's in their hands to deliver a better future for their people." Mr Howard said the situation in East Timor was very challenging for the Australian Defence Forces, but they were making good progress. "The important thing is that a large number of weapons have been taken out of the hands of people who shouldn't have them," Mr Howard said. "There has been a reduction in the bloodshed since the military had gone there and I think it has to be done bit by bit in accordance with the judgment of the military commanders on the ground." Asked about media reports that Australians were ill-equipped for the job and that they needed riot gear, Mr Howard said: "That's not the advice I have received, you don't want to believe everything you read in the newspapers." Mr Howard said Australia would welcome military assistance in East Timor from any other nations, including those in Asia. "There are already troops from Malaysia involved and we would welcome contributions from other countries," Mr Howard said. "We're not saying they should only be Asian, that would be foolish. "But obviously if other countries in Asia would like to contribute that would be very good."
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