by Alastair Thompson

Arrangements will not be able to be made in time for an urgent meeting of foreign ministers today to discuss the crisis in East Timor.

Neil Reeder of the Canadian Media Delegation told scoop this morning that it now appeared likely that any meeting would take place either tomorrow or Friday.

A spokesman for the New Zealand Foreign Minister Don McKinnon said it was all a "moving feast", but it was possible the meeting could be held tomorrow morning.

Canada's Foreign Minister, who has called for the meeting and who will chair it, will be meeting with NZ Foreign Minister this afternoon to discuss arrangements.

Discussions were also underway with other governments on their attendance.

British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook is arriving in Auckland this afternoon and will be talking with Don McKinnon this evening.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas was expected to arrive this morning but due to the crisis has delayed his arrival and is now expected to arrive on Saturday with President B.J.Habibe.

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