House to summon Hassan

JAKARTA: The House of Representatives will summon foreign minister Hassan Wirayuda over the new defense program between Australia and the United States, House's commission I member Aisyah Aminy said on Thursday.

Aisyah voiced concern over Hassan's decision to play down the threat of the program to Indonesia.

"I don't agree with Australian foreign minister Alexander Downer, who said the program would not affect Indonesia. We have to fight against it as the United States are positioning Australia as the watchdog of east Asia," she said.

She asked that Indonesia not underestimate the program as the two countries might use it to invade other countries, including islands, citing the threat of terrorism as an excuse. -- Antara