Related: NZ mulls sending troops to East Timor

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Australian troops could arrive in Dili as early as Thursday afternoon to quell a rebellion by renegade soldiers. (Photo: yahoo)

    CANBERRA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Australian Acting Prime Minister Peter Costello announced Wednesday night that Australia has decided to send troops to East Timor after receiving a formal request for military assistance in the wake of continuing fighting in the country's capital of Dili.

    The situation in East Timor has remained unstable for the past few weeks as 600 deserted soldiers protested against claimed discrimination. At least two people were killed and nine others were wounded in clashes in the past two days. Australia put warships and troops on standby a fortnight ago.

    Costello said Australia received a formal request for military assistance from Dili Wednesday night.

    "In response to that I have written back ... indicating that the Australian government is disposed to respond positively, subject to appropriate conditions being agreed between our two governments, we will provide military assistance to re-establish and maintain public order," he told reporters here.

    He said some defense and foreign affairs officials will fly to Dili Thursday to discuss issues such as the composition of the Australian force and cooperation with East Timor's military.

    "The purpose of that visit is to agree on matters such as force composition and task," Costello said.

    Australian Defense Minister Brendan Nelson said the first Australian troops could arrive as early as Thursday afternoon if the East Timor government agrees.

    He said Australia had offered between 1,000 and 1,300 defense force personnel, three ships, helicopters, armored personal carriers and heavy airlift capabilities.

    The defense minister later told Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio that he is confident Australian troops can bring Timorese rebels to heel.

    "My expectation would be once the Australian Defense Force and those from other countries arrive in East Timor ... we will see those rogue elements come to heel," he said.

    "It is highly likely that the simple exercise of deploying Australian Defense Force personnel, along with those from other countries, that that will have a peacemaking effect," he said.

    Australia has begun evacuating non-essential government staff from Dili.

    The Australian government has also urged Australians not to travel to East Timor, saying the security situation there is "extremely dangerous." Enditem