PM presents medals to families of soldiers

The three soldiers were Warrant Office Tony Walser, Staff Sergeant William White, and Private Leonard Manning.

Helen Clark said the medals are a formal recognition by the government and the people of New Zealand of the contribution made by the soldiers and their families.

"New Zealand willingly volunteered to help East Timor through its transition to independence but tragically three of our soldiers have paid with their lives.

"Having visited our soldiers in East Timor, I know that our New Zealand soldiers are serving in an especially unstable area close to the Indonesian border with poor roading access. They perform an exceedingly dangerous task. But our being there has made a big difference.

"Last year the entire New Zealand Parliament backed the sending of New Zealanders to East Timor. The price has been high with the death of these three servicemen. Yet we continue to believe that the presence of United Nations peacekeepers in East Timor at this time of transition is essential to giving that small country a new beginning.

"The government, on behalf of all New Zealanders, shares with the families of Warrant Office Tony Walser, Staff Sergeant William White, and Private Leonard Manning a deep sorrow over their deaths. I hope these medals will show our thanks for the contributions their loved ones have made in the service of their country," Helen Clark said.