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.