F-16 deal may happen soon

JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the United States' Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. John Shalikashvili, said he hopes Indonesia's plan to purchase sophisticated F-16 jet fighters can be wrapped up soon.

Speaking to journalists at the end of a three-day visit on Wednesday, Shalikashvili said the remaining minor issues could be resolved quickly.

"I'm very hopeful that we can bring this issue to a successful conclusion in the near future," he said.

In an effort to beef up the Air Force, the government is negotiating the purchase of American-made F-16 Fighting Falcons.

The tactical fighters are part of a batch of 28 originally ordered by Pakistan.

Indonesia said that it is interested in purchasing at least nine of the jet fighters to join its squadron of 11 F-16s.

Minister of National Development Planning/Chairman of the National Development Planning Board Ginandjar Kartasasmita, who is a retired Air Force officer, has led the negotiations.

Shalikashvili said on Wednesday that since the fighters were originally bound for Pakistan, it is important for that country to be involved in the negotiations.

He said the issues surrounding the purchase must be "resolved to the satisfaction of all three governments". He did not elaborate.

Speaking on the current level of U.S. military deployment in the Asia-Pacific region, Shalikashvili maintained that Washington had not wavered in its commitment to the region.

"We view ourselves very much as a Pacific nation," he remarked.

He further stressed that although Washington has reduced its forces in Europe, it "did not reduce its forward position in this region."

Given the great importance the United States' attaches to the Asia-Pacific, Shalikashvili urged the Indonesian government to open up a defined east-west archipelagic sea-lane.

Indonesia has identified three north-south sea-lanes through its strategic territorial waters. Australia and the U.S. are lobbying for an east-west sea-lane to limit restrictions on their battleships as they pass through Indonesian waters.

Shalikashvili said the east-west sea-lane would help maintain security and stability in the region.(mds)