- Defence Timor weapons
CANBERRA, Feb 2 AAP - Australia would provide 360 M16 assault rifles to the fledgling East Timor defence force, but no heavier weaponry, the Defence Department said today.
A Defence spokesman rejected a report (eds: Sydney Morning Herald) that said Australia was likely to provide hand grenades and was considering other assistance to the force.
"A range of equipment including 360 M16 assault rifles (is being supplied) for initial basic training," the spokesman told AAP.
"That's why it's restricted to that relatively small calibre weapons," he said.
He said the weapons would remain under Australian control at all times and would be stored in a secure armoury.
"We are not planning to provide additional weaponry such as machine guns or hand grenades.
"The emphasis is on providing training to the defence force."
Australia and Portugal, once the colonial ruler of East Timor, are providing training to East Timor's 600-strong defence force.
In November, the Australian government pledged $26 million over five years toward the defence force.