U.S. attacked again for military embargo

U.S. attacked again for military embargo

BANDUNG (JP): Indonesian Minister of Defense Mahfud MD
reiterated his attack on the United States on Wednesday, saying
that the military components embargo had affected the aircraft
maker PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI).

"The aircraft maker has found it difficult to realize airplane
orders. The delay in the completion of the order has provoked
complaints among the buyers, including the Indonesian Military
Headquarters and neighboring countries," he told reporters when
attending the handing over of an NB 105 helicopter from PT DI to
the Indonesian Navy here.

"The orders from Korea, which should have been completed in
June of last year, are also delayed," he said, adding that the
company had yet to complete the order for eight CN 235 military
version planes for the Korean military.

"The company officials will leave for Korea this month to
explain that the delay was due to force majeure," Mahfud said,
stressing the blame on the arms and military components embargo
imposed by the European countries and the U.S. on Indonesia.

The U.S. cut military ties with Indonesia in 1999 over human
rights violations in East Timor.

The European countries lifted the embargo last year and
Washington quietly allowed the Air Force and Navy to purchase
spare parts for non-combat equipment such as transport aircraft
and cargo ships late last year.

According to Mahfud what actually happened was different. "The
embargo continues in practice."

He said he and Minister of Foreign Affairs Alwi Shihab would
lobby the U.S. government and explain that the components needed
by PT DI were not for military purposes.

Meanwhile, Navy chief of staff Adm. Indroko Sastrowiryono said
that the Navy ordered three NB 105 helicopters and six Cassa NC
212 under a deal concluded on June 22, 1996.

"The Cassa should have been delivered in June and October
1999, while the three helicopters should have been completed in
November of last year," the admiral said. (25/sur)