RI only to join UN-backed forces

JAKARTA: Indonesia would only be interested in joining a UN- led peacekeeping force in Afghanistan and not one organized by a coalition of willing nations, senior government ministers said on Wednesday.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said that UN member countries had considered establishing a multinational force in Afghanistan or a force comprised of willing countries like the U.S., Japan and the United Kingdon.

If such a force were established, Indonesia would not be interested in joining it, Hassan said.

The coalition will be discussed in Berlin next week by countries meeting to consider a broad-based future Afghan government.

Another choice is establishing a UN peacekeeping force, which could take six or seven months, Hassan said.

"Since Afghanistan needs urgent help, the UN has considered establishing a coalition of willing nations," Hassan said.

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said that Indonesia would wait for a comprehensive solution to the Afghanistan conflict before committing itself to any peacekeeping force. --JP