NAM chief hails Korean agreement

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto, in his capacity as chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), hails the signing of the agreement between the United States and North Korea over the latter's nuclear program.

"Indonesia hopes the agreement can reduce the tense situation in the Korean peninsula," Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono quoted the President as saying on Saturday, only hours after representatives of Washington and Pyongyang signed the deal in Geneva.

President Soeharto believes that the agreement will form the basis for settling the problems besetting the peninsula which in turn will lead to a more peaceful and stable environment and even cooperation in the area, according to Moerdiono.

The NAM chief has been monitoring the situation and will continue to follow every new development, he said, adding that Soeharto has also asked senior diplomat Nana Sutresna, as head of the NAM executive board, to contact the interested parties.

Responding to a question about Indonesia's appointment to serve in the UN Security Council beginning next January, Moerdiono said Indonesia was elated with the honor.

"The membership at the Security Council is expected to assist Indonesia in discharging its duty as NAM chairman," he said.

Soeharto has chaired the 111-nation movement since 1992 and will complete its three-year term next September. (emb)