The Australian Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, has called for the United Nations to do more to help East Timor, after weeks of violence.
Speaking during a visit to the capital, Dili, Mr Downer said an international force would be needed for some time.
Mr Downer also said that he believed Indonesia was not involved in the recent violence between factions of the security forces.
Violent clashes erupted in East Timor two weeks ago, sparked by the sacking of 600 soldiers who had gone on strike. The troops where striking over claims of discrimination against those from the western region.
The clashes have left 20 dead and thousands have fled their homes through fear of further violence.
Indonesia's 25-year occupation of East Timor, which ended in 1999, is said to have resulted in at least 200,000 deaths.
East Timor officially became a democracy in 2002 following a vote for independence from Indonesia which resulted in further bloody clashes.
