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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, November 14, 2001

Indonesia Ready to Join U.N. Force in Afghanistan

Indonesia was ready to join a United Nations peacekeeping force in Afghanistan, if asked. "Indonesia was ready to be part of the U.N. element in combating terrorism. "


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Indonesia was ready to join a United Nations peacekeeping force in Afghanistan, if asked.

Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said that Indonesia was ready to be part of the U.N. element in combating terrorism.

"Of course we have to stick to our principle and stand in our policy in participating in international cooperation in fighting terrorism", Susilo told reporters after attending a coordinating meeting on political and security affairs Wednesday in Jakarta.

He however admitted that he has not received a formal request from the U.N.

Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno confirmed that so far no request had been presented to the government.

While stressing that the topic was not part of Tuesday's meeting, he said in principle the government would support the issue.

"As long as it is under the U.N. flag, Indonesia will try to fulfill the request because after all we are a member of the U.N., " Hari added.

Separately, Defense Minister Matori Abdul Djalil stressed that Indonesia is keen on seeing concrete action from the U.N. on the Afghan crisis and will support any action made by the world organization.

"Indonesia will fully support any attempt to seek a solution to the crisis to create peace and achieve justice. If (the U.N.) asks, we would be ready, but there has been no such requests," he said.

The Indonesian military's chief of staff for general affairs Lt. Gen. Djamari Chaniago also reiterated that the military is ready to join the U.N. peacekeeping force in Afghanistan.

On Tuesday, U.S. State Secretary Colin L. Powell said Indonesia, Turkey and Bangladesh are eligible to join a U.N. peacekeeping force in Afghanistan.

"It would be better if Muslim countries keep security there," he said.




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