KL, RI to discuss foreign troops in Aceh

KL, RI to discuss foreign troops in Aceh

MALAYSIA: Malaysia and Indonesia plan to discuss the issue of how
long foreign troops should remain in Aceh to help tsunami relief
efforts, news reports said on Sunday.

Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak said he will raise
the issue with Indonesia's armed forces chief Gen. Endriartono
Sutarto, who will visit Malaysia on Monday.

"We will hold discussions so that we can get a clearer
explanation on their decision to ask foreign armed forces
personnel to leave Aceh," Najib was quoted as saying by the
Sunday Star newspaper.

Malaysia currently has about 300 troops in Aceh helping to
build a hospital, Najib said.

Indonesian authorities recently expressed hopes that foreign
troops would leave Aceh by March 26.

Najib said Malaysia would like its soldiers to remain in Aceh
"for as long as they are needed."

"But we have to abide by the Indonesian government's
instructions regarding our soldiers," the minister added. -- DPA