Timor Leste's Foreign Minister says he was not told that two Australian warships have been put on standby to help his country quell further unrest.
Jose Ramos Horta says he was not made aware that the ships were being deployed toward his country, and they are not needed.
Dr Horta says he is still yet to discuss the situation with t\he Australian Government.
“I have not been told officially. I heard it through the media, but Australia does not have to tell us about that as long as they are in Australian waters.” Mr Horta said.
Dr Horta says his country does not need international peacekeepers, despite a small UN Force postponing their withdrawal for another month.
Meanwhile Prime Minister John Howard says the two navy warships on standby could be used to evacuate Australians from Timor Leste if unrest returns to the nation.
And Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Downer says Dr Horta should be comforted that HMAS Kanimbla and Manoora will be ready if Australian assistance is needed.
“I think he's very grateful to Australia for making sure that we do have troops ready just in case they're needed. He's confident they won't be needed, but I think the fact that we are getting ships into position, so in the event of us being asked, we can move quickly.” Mr Downer said.