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