Terrorism deal defended
By IAN HENDERSON
The Australian
08feb02
THE counter-terrorism agreement between Australia and Indonesia will not be used to interfere in Indonesia's internal affairs, John Howard promised last night.
The Prime Minister has also played down speculation the agreement would include exchanges between the Special Air Service and Kopassus, with Mr Howard declaring there would be no promotion of exchanges between the two anti-terrorist units.
"I want to make it very clear that this agreement is not going to be any kind of device whereby Australia gets involved in the domestic affairs of Indonesia," he said, following concerns Australia might co-operate with Indonesian authorities in a crackdown on pro-independence groups in Aceh and Irian Jaya.
Asked about reports that the agreement would boost co-operation between the SAS and Kopassus, Mr Howard said "that is a wrong interpretation". But Mr Howard acknowledged that co-operation between both countries' defence forces is likely to be stepped up. "It's going to happen gradually," he said.
In an effort to alleviate Indonesian concerns that Australia might back independence for Irian Jaya, Mr Howard indicated he sees significant differences between that province's situation and the situation of East Timor.
Speaking after a meeting with Indonesia's Co-ordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Howard also announced a forum for Muslim leaders in Australia and Indonesia to exchange views, and an Australian-Indonesian "dialogue" of regular ministerial talks.
The counter-terrorism agreement, proposed by Indonesia this week, provides a framework for co-operation in areas such as intelligence sharing between law enforcement agencies and possible joint operations involving Australian and Indonesia military, intelligence and police, customs and immigration officials. But specific operations will have to be agreed on a case-by-case basis.
The memorandum, which comes into effect immediately, will last initially for a year and may be extended by mutual consent. Mr Howard was quick to accept Indonesia's proposal for such an agreement, believing it demonstrates that country's determination to be seen as responsible in the fight against global terrorism.