RI still studying ASEAN forces

RI still studying ASEAN forces

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas said here
yesterday that Indonesia is still studying the prospect of a
joint Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) peacekeeping force
to be placed under the aegis of the United Nations.

"Indonesia is still studying the possibility. The pros and
cons are being weighed," Alatas said.

During a visit to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore Defense Minister Lee
Boon Yang said last week that his country agreed "in principle"
with the idea of an ASEAN force to carry-out UN peace missions.

However Alatas yesterday refused to say whether or not
Indonesia would support the idea, stressing that it was still
under examination.

"Maybe it will be more efficient, maybe it will be cheaper,"
he said on the possible benefits of an ASEAN peacekeeping
force.(mds)