Australian troops to leave Aceh

JAKARTA: Australian troops on a humanitarian mission in tsunami- devastated Aceh will leave the province on Friday, the Indonesian Military (TNI) said in a press release on Wednesday.

The statement was issued following a meeting between TNI Commander Gen. Endriartono Sutarto and Brig. Gen. David H. Chalmers, the commander of the Australian force in Aceh.

The Australian troops were among the first foreign troops to arrive in Aceh and were instrumental in the delivery of food and medical supplies to remote areas, and the collection of dead bodies, among other things.

The government had previously set March 26 as the deadline for foreign troops to leave Aceh, although it later said that the troops could stay in the province as long as their visas were valid.

Australia, the world's largest tsunami aid donor, has pledged a total of A$1 billion (US$764 million) in grants and interest- free loans over five years for Indonesia. Australia also deployed six C-130 transportation planes and the HMAS Kanimbla to Aceh.

Australia's quick response to the catastrophe has improved relations between the two countries. -- JP