MILITIA SUSPECTS SEIZED BY INDONESIAN ARMY

Dili, East Timor: Three suspected militia have been detained by the Indonesian Army (TNI) following an incident near Laktutus on the border with East and West Timor at approximately 1pm yesterday (Friday 27 Oct 00).

A fourth man, militia leader Jacobus Bere, escaped but was reportedly injured. The extent of his injuries are unknown. Bere is allegedly involved in the murder of UN peacekeeper Private Leonard Manning at Nanu on July 24.

The TNI a retrieved a ‘Minimi’ Light Support Weapon (a 5.56mm light machine gun) from the militia members.

At the time of his death Private Manning was carrying a Minimi but it was taken by his killers. It is not confirmed that this weapon belonged to PTE Manning.

Discussions with the Peacekeeping Force and the TNI are in progress to identify the origin of the Minimi. The TNI are conducting an investigation into the incident and are prepared to share information once the investigation is complete.

Private Manning, from the New Zealand Battalion (NZBATT) was the first UN peacekeeper to be killed in action since the deployment of the UNTAET peacekeeping force in January.

For more information:

Lieutenant Colonel Tor Aarnseth

Chief Public Information Officer

0418 823 092

MILITIA MAN SUSPECTED OF KILLING PEACEKEEPER

STILL ALIVE

The Militia man suspected of killing New Zealand Peacekeeper Private Leonard Manning in East Timor in July has not been killed as recent media reports have indicated. The suspect, Jacobus Bere was seen recently operating in East Timor.

Jacobus Bere is a commonly used name in East Timor, and the death of a different Jacobus Bere in Militia violence in West Timor at the beginning of September has led to media confusion.

"A positive sighting of the man suspected of killing Private Manning, Jacobus Bere, as recently as last week indicates that he is alive and continues to operate as part of a militia group. " says Colonel Phil Gibbons, the Peace Keeping Force Chief of Operations in Dili, East Timor.

"The United Nations Peace Keeping Force and the Civilian Police in East Timor continue to actively search for this man who is wanted for questioning. Information on the suspect is continually updated with every reported sighting, and I am confident that every effort is being made to detain the suspect Jacobus Bere," said Col. Gibbons.

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