Canberra – The federal opposition has backed East Timorese resistance leader Xanana Gusmao's call for pro-integrationist militias to be disarmed urgently.

Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Laurie Brereton today supported Mr Gusmao's view that a democratic process would be jeopardised if these militia groups remained armed in the lead up to a ballot on independence.

"What is required is a clear Australian position to put real pressure on Indonesia to move without delay to disarm the pro-integrationist militias and accept a United Nations peacekeeping presence to ensure that the East Timorese are able to determine their future free from violence and intimidation," Mr Brereton said in a statement.

"The Howard government's persistent refusal to do this runs a very serious risk that the situation on the ground in East Timor will deteriorate further with potentially grave humanitarian consequences."

Mr Gusmao said the Indonesian military was still arming the militia and must withdraw from the former Portuguese colony.

"It [disarmament] is very urgent because it is to avoid more bloodshed in East Timor because the militia groups are intimidating and killing civilians and it has to be stopped," Mr Gusmao told SBS television yesterday. "Without disarmament of the militia groups I think there would not be any process of consultation in East Timor."

Mr Brereton said plans to hold a ballot may prove dangerous without a process of disarmament verified by an effective UN peace-keeping force.