FED:Defence chief receives East Timor honour

AAP General News (Australia)
02-02-2011
FED:Defence chief receives East Timor honour

CANBERRA, Feb 2 AAP - Defence force chief Angus Houston has been awarded East Timor's
highest honour.

President Jose Ramos-Horta awarded Air Chief Marshal Houston the Medal of the Order
of Timor Leste for his support for East Timor during his six years as head of the Australian
Defence Force.

The Order of Timor Leste is the tiny nation's highest honour and intended to recognise
those who have made a significant contribution to East Timor and the Timorese people.

"I am deeply honoured to receive this award," Air Chief Marshal Houston said in a statement
on Wednesday.

He commended the federal government for its leadership and commitment to ensuring East
Timor's continuing stability.

Air Chief Marshal Houston accepted the award during a visit to East Timor on Wednesday.

The presentation ceremony was attended by East Timor Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao and
the nation's defence force chief Taur Matan Ruak.

The ceremony coincided with the 11th anniversary of the establishment of the East Timor
Defence Force.

Defence has 25 personnel in East Timor as part of the Defence Cooperation Program and
about 400 deployed as part of the International Stabilisation Force.

AAP mb/rl/dep/was

KEYWORD: HOUSTON

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