Czech backs Indonesia's UNSC bid

JAKARTA (JP): Czech Prime Minister Vaclav Klaus yesterday gave his country's resounding support for Indonesia's bid to attain a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

"Prime Minister Vaclav Klaus conveyed his government's support of Indonesia's candidacy as a non-permanent member on the UN Security Council," Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono told reporters regarding the two hour meeting between Klaus and President Soeharto at Merdeka Palace yesterday.

Moerdiono said that during the meeting Klaus expressed his gratitude for Indonesia's endorsement of the Czech Republic's successful bid to the UNSC last year, and would thus like to reciprocate the support.

The UNSC consists of 15 member states of which five -- Britain, the United States, China, Russia and France -- have permanent status.

The 10 remaining members are selected by the UN General Assembly for a two year term. During last year's session the Czech Republic gained the Council membership for the 1993-1995 term.

Indonesia has made a bid for one of the five non-permanent seats available at the years end and looks to be on course to serving on the Council for the second time after previously gaining membership in 1972.

The Czech head of government along with his wife, Livia Klausova, arrived here last Monday as part of a three-day state visit at the invitation of President Soeharto.

When asked if Prague's stated support would entail some form of political favor by Indonesia, Moerdiono said not at all.

"Judging from the Prime Ministers' delegation we can assume that their main purpose here is to enhance trade and economic relations," he replied.

Around 50 businessmen are included in the Czech premier's entourage, signifying the heavy emphasis on commercial affairs.

Apart from meeting Soeharto, Klaus also met with executives from the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) here yesterday.

Double taxation

Yesterday afternoon, Klaus signed a double taxation agreement between Indonesia and Czech Republic at the State guest house.

"This agreement will help create a climate conducive to bilateral economic relations," said Coordinating Minister of Political Affairs and Security Soesilo Soedarman who was acting as interim foreign minister at the signing.

Trade between the two countries last year reached US$30 million with expectations this year topping $35 million.

Increased ties were evident yesterday as a Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of a cement clinker factory in East Kalimantan was signed between Czech company PSP and PT Balikpapan Daya Semen.

"I am very satisfied with my visit here. It seems to me we have succeeded in fulfilling the main objective," said Klaus when asked to sum up his three-day stay here.

The Premier is scheduled to leave for Beijing this morning for the second leg of his three nation Asian tour which will end in Seoul next week.(mds)

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