Czech backs Indonesia's UNSC bid

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)

Clinker -- Page 8

Photo -- Page 2