Russian warships here on peace mission

Russian warships here on peace mission

An Indonesian marine patrols Tanjung Priok Port where five ships
of the Russian Pacific fleet, including Missile Cruiser Varyag
(in background), are anchored in the first Russian warship visit
since 1968.

The four other warships (unseen) are antisubmarine warfare
ships Panteleev, Admiral Tributs and auxiliary ships Pechenga and
Kalar.

Led by Vice Adm. Sergei Avramenko, the warships will be
anchored at the port until Nov. 2. They will continue their trip
to neighboring Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam before returning
to their home base. The warships went to India prior to visiting
Indonesia.

"This is our first visit to Indonesia in 37 years. We have
arranged some meetings with high-ranking Indonesian officials and
expect there will be mutual meetings to develop military
relations between both countries," Avramenko said, referring to
planned meetings with Minister of Defense Juwono Sudarsono,
Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Endriartono Sutarto and
Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Slamet Soebijanto.

"I guess there will be no problems in enhancing cooperation
(between the Russian and Indonesian militaries). We, the
Russians, are ready to do so as we come for peace," he added.

Indonesia is developing closer defense ties with Russia after
facing problems in procuring military equipment from the United
States, which imposed an embargo as a response to reports on
alleged gross human rights abuses in East Timor during, before
and after the 1998 vote for independence.

Under the administration of then president Megawati
Soekarnoputri, the Indonesian Air Force and the Army went on a
"shopping spree" with the purchase of Russian-made Sukhoi jet
fighters for the former and two Mi-35 assault helicopters for the
latter.

During the three-day visit, the crews of the warships will
also visit Satria Mandala War Museum. The Russian Naval Orchestra
will perform in Tanjung Priok. Members of the public are welcome
to visit the fleet on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (JP/Tiarma
Siboro)