Britain seeks support for new govt in Afghanistan

Britain seeks support for new govt in Afghanistan

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The British government is seeking Indonesia's support for the
transitional government in Afghanistan.

Sir Michael Jay, visiting British Permanent Under-Secretary-
Designate from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, said after
meeting President Megawati Soekarnoputri that Indonesia's support
would be especially meaningful.

"We also discussed Indonesia's support for the security force
that will be established shortly in Afghanistan," Jay, who is on
a three-day visit to Indonesia, told journalists after the
meeting.

Jay and Megawati discussed the latest developments in
Afghanistan and the peace building efforts in the country. The
various Afghan factions, facilitated by western countries, are
establishing a transitional government following the fall of the
Taliban regime.

Jay said that he would discuss the issue with relevant
Indonesian officials, such as Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan
Wirayuda.

Hassan said that an international conference in London was
focusing on the structure of the multinational force to be
deployed in Afghanistan.

Hassan reiterated that Indonesia would send peace keeping
troops only if the force came under UN auspices.

On Thursday, Jay met with House Speaker Akbar Tandjung for
talks focusing on democracy and terrorism.

"We talked a little bit about the war against terrorism and
the peacekeeping force (in Afghanistan)," Jay said after the
meeting.

Jay said that the meeting with Akbar was expected to help
strengthen bilateral ties between Britain and Indonesia.

Akbar said that, during the 30-minute meeting, they had
discussed the role of the Indonesian legislature in dealing with
international issues.