Paul Keating in town for security agreement

Paul Keating in town for security agreement

JAKARTA (JP): Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating arrived here last night on an official visit to witness the signing today of the security agreement between his country and Indonesia.

Keating's entourage consists of Foreign Minister Gareth Evans, Defense Minister Robert Ray and Armed Forces Commander General John Baker.

Greeted by Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas at Halim Perdanakusumah airport, the Australian guests declined to make any statement upon their arrival.

Keating and President Soeharto will witness the signing of the security agreement, which has been warmly welcomed by Indonesian politicians and observers alike.

The landmark accord will be signed by Evans and his Indonesian counterpart Ali Alatas.

President Soeharto will be accompanied at the signing ceremony by Minister of Defense and Security Edi Sudradjat and Chief of the Armed Forces Gen. Feisal Tanjung.

AFP reported that shortly before leaving for Jakarta, Keating said the security agreement would not only strengthen the security of both Indonesia and Australia, but would aid the development of security in the region as a whole.

"I think the signing is going to be a moment in history which is going to very much shape Australia's future, and I think we feel the poignancy of that, all of us involved with it," Keating said.

"It will make not only Indonesia's and Australia's future more secure but in making it secure, it will make the region more secure," he added.

The agreement will provide a forum for consultation and possible joint responses if the security of either state is subject to an external threat. The accord does not extend to internal threats.

The prime minister said in a press statement earlier that the agreement would not turn into a defense pact or alliance. (imn)