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)