Media Release The Hon. John Moore, MP Minister for Defence
Tuesday, 25 July 2000 MIN179/00
Death of New Zealand Peacekeeper in East Timor
I am deeply saddened by news of the death of a New Zealand soldier in East Timor.
Private Leonard Manning was a member of a UN-sanctioned peacekeeping patrol which had been sent to an area near Nanu to
investigate reports from locals that armed men were operating in the area.
A small militia group, which had crossed into East Timor, opened fire on Private Manning's patrol and regrettably,
Private Manning was killed while withdrawing to safer ground.
I join Foreign Minister, Mr Downer, and our New Zealand counterparts, in condemning those responsible for this tragic
loss of life.
I call on the Indonesian Government to do everything possible to stamp out militia activity in West Timor.
The New Zealand Defence Force has made a very significant contribution to the success of the UN peacekeeping operation
in East Timor.
I know that all in the Australian Defence community feel very deeply about the loss of a member of the New Zealand
contingent serving there.
On behalf of the men and women of the Australian Defence Force, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends
of Private Manning.
ENDS