Congress asked to lift restrictions on TNI

Congress asked to lift restrictions on TNI

Agencies, Washington

The commander of the U.S. forces in the Pacific, Admiral Dennis
Blair, has asked Congress to lift restrictions on military
cooperation with Indonesia.

The admiral warned on Wednesday that Indonesia, beset by
separatist and sectarian violence, is "vulnerable to terrorist
penetration."

"With many challenges on its plate, and diminishing resources,
Indonesia's security apparatus does not have full control of its
borders," Blair told two House subcommittees, which handle
Pacific, Asian and Middle Eastern Affairs.

"Moreover, Indonesia has not aggressively investigated
domestic elements that are sympathetic to the aims of al-Qaeda."

But the Pacific Command chief expressed its opposition to
limits on U.S. military cooperation with Indonesia imposed by
Congress in the wake on 1999 violence in East Timor when army-
backed, pro-Indonesia militias went on a bloody rampage against
independence supporters.

"Current restrictions on our interaction with the TNI
(Indonesian military) limit our effectiveness," Blair said.

U.S. officials believe al-Qaeda cells may be operating in
Indonesia, and Washington has offered financial aid to train
Indonesian police.

The administration wants to resume military aid to Indonesia
but is inhibited by a congressional ban imposed after the
Indonesian army devastated East Timor in 1999.

Blair has also asked the Congress for 5,000 more counter-
terrorism experts.

In a sweeping overview of the security situation in the
region, Blair promised an assertive strategy to combat the
terrorist threat wherever it existed.

"We cannot provide adequate protection to our citizens and our
forces while only playing defense," Blair said.

But he pointed out that the events of Sept. 11, and the
subsequent anti-terrorism operations around the world had created
new manpower requirements.

"Over 5,000 additional billets are needed to address the full
range of force protection, antiterrorism, and counter-terrorism
missions," the admiral said.

The new counter terrorism experts would participate in
increased shore and harbor security patrols, operate regional
command and control facilities and take part in crisis action
teams, according to Blair.