UN defends Australia over Timor election claims

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200705/s1917043.htm
Last Update: Tuesday, May 8, 2007. 10:49am (AEST)

The United Nations (UN) has backed Australian soldiers in East Timor in the face of allegations they have become partisan players in the country's presidential elections.

Two candidates remain in the presidential race - Prime Minister Jose Ramos Horta and Fretilin party president Francisco Guterres, also known as Lu Olo - neither of whom won an outright majority last month.

Security forces are beefing up their patrols to ensure tomorrow's election is free and fair, with authorities confident the poll will be peaceful.

But Mr Guterres has accused Australian forces of deliberately disrupting his campaign by using helicopters and armoured vehicles to harass supporters at his political rallies.

Now the UN says it has no doubt international troops have been completely impartial and neutral.

The UN's deputy chief in East Timor, Finn Reske-Nielsen, has jumped to Australia's defence.

"As far as the operations of the international security forces are concerned there is no doubt in my mind that they're being conducted in a completely impartial and neutral manner," he said.

Police and prosecutors are investigating at least 20 allegations of bribery and intimidation during the campaign.