Canberra denies 'flying squads' plan

Canberra denies 'flying squads' plan

AUSTRALIA: Australian police denied on Wednesday reports that it
planned to deploy "flying squads" of counter-terrorism agents in
Southeast Asia.

The denial came a day after Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir
Mohamad warned Australia its policemen would not be welcome in
his country.

In response, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) issued a
statement on Wednesday denying reports in Australian newspapers
the previous day that it wanted a long-term counter-terrorism
presence in other countries.

The AFP also denied that Australian police commissioner Mick
Keelty would attend a meeting of regional police chiefs later
this month in Manila to discuss expanding Australia's police
presence in the area. --AFP