Annan seeks nearly 2,000 peacekeepers for E. Timor

UNITED NATIONS, Aug 11 (Reuters) Secretary-General Kofi Annan recommended today that nearly 2,000 UN troops and police be sent to East Timor as part of a new peacekeeping mission after violence in May that killed at least 20 people.

The mission would take over peacekeeping duties from an Australian-led international force sent in to restore peace in Asia's newest state after a wave of clashes and arson attacks.

Malaysia, New Zealand and Portugal as well as Australia contributed troops and police to that force, which has now begun a gradual withdrawal as the tiny nation stabilizes.

East Timor was plunged into violence after then-Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri dismissed 600 soldiers from its 1,400-strong army for mutiny when they protested over alleged discrimination against soldiers from the west of the country.

A new government was sworn in a month ago.

Annan, in a report to the 15-nation UN Security Council, recommended up to 1,608 police officers and 350 soldiers for the new mission, which he said should be given an initial one-year mandate.

Its role would be to help the government ensure political stability, support 2007 presidential and parliamentary elections and maintain public security.

It would also help East Timor rebuild its defense forces and its economy, fight poverty and promote and protect human rights, Annan said.

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