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)