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