Military drill ended

Military drill ended

WASHINGTON (Reuters): The United States military abruptly
ended a small joint exercise in Indonesia Friday, saying it was
concerned over anti-government demonstrations and ordered 17
elite U.S. special forces troops to leave the country.

Defense officials said the cancellation in the first week of a
month-long training exercise was not in protest over the Jakarta
government's handling of the student protests.

They said it was partly to protect U.S. special forces troops,
who will return to their base on Okinawa.

But one official who asked not to be identified said the
Pentagon was concerned about human rights in Indonesia, and six
other joint U.S.-Indonesia military exercises scheduled there
later in the year would be "considered on a case-by-case basis."

He said the decision was made by Defense Secretary William
Cohen and senior military officials.

The U.S. State Department advised Americans on Wednesday to
avoid travel to the city of Medan and to exercise caution in
visiting Indonesia.