Militia numbers dwindling says NZ commanding officer

2:35 PM

The commanding officer of the New Zealand battalion which killed an armed rebel in a clash in East Timor believes the tense situation with the militia is improving.

Yesterday Kiwi peacekeepers were involved in a confrontation with several armed militia near the border with West Timor.

One of the rebels was shot dead.

Lieutenant Colonel Martin Dransfield says despite yesterday's clash, he believes there are fewer militia about.

He says the militiamen who have moved into East Timor have received absolutely no support from the local population.

Lieutenant-Colonel Dransfield says only time will tell if militia observe today's deadline to hand in all their arms.

He is hopeful most will comply.

-IRN

Herald Online feature: the Timor mission

UN Transitional Administration in E Timor