De Mello, SRSG, visits Republic of Korea Battalion

20/07/01
UN KPF, ROK Batt

Sergio Vieira De Mello, SRSG, visited ROK Batt on last 17th of July. With was PKF Commander, General Boonsrang, including 12 representatives from all different political parties, attendants, and press corps, totalling 50 people.

De Mello, SRSG,(front row, end of left), boonsrang,PKF Commander, 
(center, front row) receiving ROK Batt situation report. (C) ROK Batt

During their one hour stay in ROK Batt, De Mello received situation reports on election related affairs, which was prepared by ROK Batt personal, as part of their duties with the UN PKF, for up coming elections on 30th of Aug in an effort to make sure the elections progress favorably.

The delegation had lunch with Olavio, DA, and ROK Batt staff members.

"It is magnificent work that ROK Batt, as a member of UN PKF, is doing to support the elections," said De Mello after receiving situation report.

2. Col Lee (ROK Batt commander welcoming De Mello, SRSG,
(on the left). (C) ROK Batt

As a reply Col. Lee, ROK Batt commander, said "We are focusing on supporting election as part of the overall ROK Batt operation to secure the peace of East Timor. ROK has established secure positions in strategic places around the polling stations in case of any dangerous influences, and we are planning to do a joint excercises with CIVPOL."

De Mello, and 12 representatives left for the traditional house in Lospalos to make election related speeches and collect public opinion from the civilian population in the Lautem district.

Also on the day, PKF Commander, General Boonsrang, FC, awarded Major Jo for recognition of his work serving the people faithfully and creatively.

Gen boonsrang, PKF Commander, encouraging those who performed 
meritorious military service. (C) ROK Batt

A commendation was also given to nine other ROK Batt staff who performed meritorious military service as members of the UN PKF.

Follow the ceremony General Boonsrang inspected the temporary by pass road which was constructed by ROK and Bangladeshi engineers in SICA region.

4. Gen boonsrang, PKF Commander, inspecting temporary bypass 
construction field in flood stricken district. (C) ROK Batt

The road was swept away by storms and flooding on the 20th of June. Both ROK Batt and Bangladesh Batt engineers responded by moving engineers into the effected area to restore vehicular communications.

This was 2nd time De Mello visited ROK Batt since last March.