Japan to Send Troops to E. Timor: Japanese MinisterVisiting Japanese Defense Agency Director-General Gen Nakatani said the Japanese government will send 300 to 400 members of Self-Defense Force to East Timor.This was stated by Nakatani in a meeting with Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono here Monday, according to Amin Rianom, spokesman of the ministry. As a part of the United Nations Peace Keeping Force in East Timor, Nakatani told Susilo that Japanese Self-Defense Force members will help the territory to develop its own military force. Welcoming the step, Susilo said the Indonesian government believed this was a positive action. Amin was quoted by the Antara News Agency as saying that Nakatani during the meeting also reiterated the Japanese government's support to the Indonesian government to maintain national integrity and unity. Nakatani said Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi will visit Indonesia next week and discuss with President Megawati Soekarnoputri on the bilateral issues. It was reported that Nakatani will meet Defense Minister Matori Abdul Djalil and Vice President Hamzah Haz. |
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