He told parliament here that C-130 Hercules aircraft will also be sent there as part of the mission to secure the perimeter of Dili international airport.

    He said the forward deployment of commandos had the approval of Timor-Leste's government and would ensure the airport remained open.

    "Australia has a vital national interest in the promotion and maintenance of stability in our region," because "weak and fragile states" in the neighborhood could quickly become Australia's problems, he said.

    Subject to Timor-Leste's agreement, a total of 1,300 troops would be deployed in the country, according to Howard.

    He said Australian troops may have casualties in Timor-Leste.

    "This is a dangerous mission and a dangerous situation and we must not walk away from the possibility that casualties could be suffered by the forces that go to Timor-Leste," he said.

    Howard also said the United Nations had been informed of the request from Timor-Leste and Australia's proposed plan to help.

    Meanwhile, Australian Federal Opposition Leader Kim Beazley said the unrest in Timor-Leste must be addressed properly, adding his Labor party gave its full support to the mission.

    "Labor gives its strong and unqualified support to the deployment of Australian troops to East Timor," Beazley said.

    Timor-Leste has been plagued by unrest since nearly 600 soldiers were fired earlier this year. At least two people were killed and nine others injured as rebel soldiers and pro-government forces fought in Dili for the last few days. The Timor-Leste government has asked for foreign military assistance to help control the situation. Enditem