Civilian Police Officers, members of the United Nations Mission East Timor (UNAMET), relaxing ...

Civilian Police Officers, members of the United Nations Mission East Timor (UNAMET), relaxing with a drink and discussing the day's activities in an empty riverbed on the eve of the referendum for East Timor's independence. While they were sitting here, the pro-Indonesian militia set fire to the hills surrounding the area. Identified, left to right: John Tanti, Australian Federal Police (AFP); unidentified, possibly a United Nations District Electoral Officer; Brett Swan, AFP; Don Barnby, AFP; Sergeant Wayne Corbett, New Zealand Police. UNAMET was sent to East Timor on 11 June 1999, to organise, conduct and supervise the referendum, held on 30 August 1999, to allow the East Timorese to choose between autonomy within Indonesia or independence. Following the overwhelming vote for independence, the pro-Indonesian militia launched a campaign of destruction, arson and murder, killing approximately 1500 people and forcing 300,000 others into West Timor as refugees. Due to this the mandate of UNAMET was extended from 31 August 1999 to 30 September 1999, although most members were evacuated by 20 September when the International Force for East Timor (INTERFET) was sent in.