President ratifies Aussie-RI security pact

President ratifies Aussie-RI security pact

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto has ratified, by decree,
Australia's and Indonesia's agreement on maintaining security.

The No. 50/1996 decree was made available to the press
yesterday, although it is dated June 24, 1996.

Indonesia and Australia improved their already close
relationship when both foreign ministers signed the agreement on
maintaining security on Dec. 18, 1995.

The signing was witnessed by President Soeharto and then Prime
Minister Paul Keating.

The Presidential decree states, "the strong engagement in ties
between the Republic of Indonesia and Australia will help
establish regional peace and stability which is important for the
implementation of national development."

It also states that the agreement gives a strong foundation
for quick and direct consultation between ministers of the two
countries on issues which effect mutual security.

The treaty, which had been negotiated in great secrecy by
Jakarta and Canberra, came as a shock to many.

Under the treaty both sides agreed to regular ministerial
level consultation.

The treaty also stipulates that both sides will consult each
other should there be challenges to their common security
interests, and could, if necessary, consider joint action.

A new Australian government, headed by Prime Minister John
Howard, was elected in March 1996. It has expressed continued
support for the treaty which its predecessor created. (mds)