The East Timor Defense Force (ETDF) assumes responsibility next week for all aspects of security in part of the new nation, and the Dili government was informed Thursday of progress in transferring defense control into Timorese hands.

On Tuesday, the ETDF takes over all defense duties in Lautem, Timor's most easterly province, and the handover of military responsibilities from UN peacekeepers begins a process that will hopefully conclude in June 2004.

Timor's fledgling defense force will be responsible for all border security in Lautem, including conducting patrols in the area and coordinating with local authorities and police forces. The ETDF's small naval force will also patrol Timor's territorial waters around the province.

Meanwhile, heads of the ETDF development bureau have confirmed that the next defense sector donors' conference will take place in Dil on August 28-29.