WELLINGTON, May 29 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said Monday her country's peacekeeping troops deployed in Timor-Leste could stay there for some time.

    Clark told Radio New Zealand that this will not be a quick deployment.

    She said peacekeeping forces "might need to stay until fresh elections are held next year."

    Another 130 New Zealand soldiers, leaving New Zealand and waiting now in Queens land, Australia, will fly to Timor-Leste's capital Dili, if their equipment are ready, said an army officer.

    And 42 New Zealand soldiers are already in Dili, guarding key buildings and patrolling the streets.

    Clark said New Zealand will work closely with Australia in Dili, and detailed plans are being laid to that end.

    The situation in Timor-Leste is deteriorating. At least 23 people have been killed in Dili over the last week as rival gangs battle each other in the streets and attack civilians. Enditem