Czech backs Indonesia's UNSC bid<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Czech Prime Minister Vaclav Klaus yesterday gave
\nhis country's resounding support for Indonesia's bid to attain a
\nnon-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).<\/p>\n
"Prime Minister Vaclav Klaus conveyed his government's support
\nof Indonesia's candidacy as a non-permanent member on the UN
\nSecurity Council," Minister\/State Secretary Moerdiono told
\nreporters regarding the two hour meeting between Klaus and
\nPresident Soeharto at Merdeka Palace yesterday.<\/p>\n
Moerdiono said that during the meeting Klaus expressed his
\ngratitude for Indonesia's endorsement of the Czech Republic's
\nsuccessful bid to the UNSC last year, and would thus like to
\nreciprocate the support.<\/p>\n
The UNSC consists of 15 member states of which five --
\nBritain, the United States, China, Russia and France -- have
\npermanent status.<\/p>\n
The 10 remaining members are selected by the UN General
\nAssembly for a two year term. During last year's session the
\nCzech Republic gained the Council membership for the 1993-1995
\nterm.<\/p>\n
Indonesia has made a bid for one of the five non-permanent
\nseats available at the years end and looks to be on course to
\nserving on the Council for the second time after previously
\ngaining membership in 1972.<\/p>\n
The Czech head of government along with his wife, Livia
\nKlausova, arrived here last Monday as part of a three-day state
\nvisit at the invitation of President Soeharto.<\/p>\n
When asked if Prague's stated support would entail some form
\nof political favor by Indonesia, Moerdiono said not at all.<\/p>\n
"Judging from the Prime Ministers' delegation we can assume
\nthat their main purpose here is to enhance trade and economic
\nrelations," he replied.<\/p>\n
Around 50 businessmen are included in the Czech premier's
\nentourage, signifying the heavy emphasis on commercial affairs.<\/p>\n
Apart from meeting Soeharto, Klaus also met with executives
\nfrom the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) here
\nyesterday.<\/p>\n
Double taxation<\/p>\n
Yesterday afternoon, Klaus signed a double taxation agreement
\nbetween Indonesia and Czech Republic at the State guest house.<\/p>\n
"This agreement will help create a climate conducive to
\nbilateral economic relations," said Coordinating Minister of
\nPolitical Affairs and Security Soesilo Soedarman who was acting
\nas interim foreign minister at the signing.<\/p>\n
Trade between the two countries last year reached US$30
\nmillion with expectations this year topping $35 million.<\/p>\n
Increased ties were evident yesterday as a Memorandum of
\nUnderstanding for the establishment of a cement clinker factory
\nin East Kalimantan was signed between Czech company PSP and PT
\nBalikpapan Daya Semen.<\/p>\n
"I am very satisfied with my visit here. It seems to me we
\nhave succeeded in fulfilling the main objective," said Klaus when
\nasked to sum up his three-day stay here.<\/p>\n
The Premier is scheduled to leave for Beijing this morning for
\nthe second leg of his three nation Asian tour which will end in
\nSeoul next week.(mds)<\/p>\n
Clinker -- Page 8<\/p>\n
Photo -- Page 2<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/czech-backs-indonesias-unsc-bid-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }