Digger-Jordanian Stand-off

Four years ago an Australian Corporal, Andrew Wratten, heard allegations of Jordanian UN troops soliciting for sex with boys. A subsequent secret investigation led to the expulsion of two Jordanian peacekeepers after an investigation ordered by then UNTAET chief, the late Sergio Vieira de Mello, in July 2001.

“Wratten informed PKF (peacekeeping force) that he had been receiving complaints from local children about Jorbatt (Jordan Battalion) abuse,” said a senior UN official who was based in Oecussi at the time.

A Jordanian officer, supporting the pedophilia, dobs in Cpl Wratten to the Jordanian troops. “A Jordanian officer in HQ informed Jorbatt that he had ratted on them. Wratten and his guys manning the helo (helicopter) refuelling pad in Oecussi town started getting threatened. Aussie Steyr assault rifles and Jordanian M16s were brandished but nothing come of it. “As far as I understand, De Mello, was very sensitive to the harm such reports would have on the reputation of UNTAET, PKF – and by default himself,” said one Western security analyst, based in East Timor in 2001. Aussie Diggers. Maintaining high civilized standards as always. The UN. Setting low standards and maintaining them, as always. Could’ve been a good stoush though.