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SINGAPORE: Singapore has categorically stated the sanctity of agreements, once they are concluded, so when it comes to the Extradition Treaty (ET) and Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA), it is not possible to accept one and reject the other, as argued by some Indonesian lawmakers.
Making these points in Parliament on Monday were Foreign Minister George Yeo and Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean, who gave an update on the agreements, which have been criticised by Indonesia's Parliament.
Indonesia had asked for changes to the implementing arrangements (IAs) after the main agreements – the DCA and the ET – had been concluded and signed in April.
Mr Yeo said: "The ET, the DCA and the four IAs were negotiated and concluded as part of a carefully balanced package. Insisting on substantive changes or introducing new elements afterwards means there was no agreement in the first place. In fact, the entire package would be unravelled.
"This would make future negotiations with Indonesia or with any other country for that matter difficult or impossible because there would be no finality, even after an agreement has been reached."
One change that Indonesia wants is on the areas where Singapore's Navy are able to train.
Mr Teo said: "If there was a need to impose any new conditions on naval training or to conclude a separate IA on naval training, Indonesia had ample opportunity to raise the matter for discussions during the negotiations before the carefully balanced overall package was finally settled and agreed to on 23 April.
"So Singapore's view, therefore, is that the package of agreement which was concluded on 23 April is complete and that what is already contained in the DCA and its four associated IAs is sufficient to implement the DCA."
Singapore has suggested a way forward and is now awaiting Indonesia's response to the specific proposals.
Irene Ng, MP of Tampines GRC, said: "I wonder if the minister can give us an assessment whether these two agreements will indeed spell better relations or give us new areas of dispute and friction. Can I ask the minister if he thinks there is political will at various levels to move forward on this?"
Mr Yeo said: "On our side, there is no lack of will. On the part of President Yudhoyono, there is no lack of will. But we recognise at the same time the politics of Indonesia are complicated and sometimes we may need a certain passage of time before some of these things can be done and we remain hopeful and we are patient."
The defence minister added that the Republic has DCAs and MOUs on training with more than a dozen countries.
He made the point when asked what options Singapore had if the Defence Cooperation Agreement with Indonesia did not go through.
Mr Teo said: "We appreciate very much the opportunities that various countries have given us to train the SAF there. These arrangements will enable us to continue to maintain the operational readiness, the training levels of our soldiers, sailors and airmen."
Mr Teo also reminded the House that training arrangements with Indonesia have been going on for many years.
- CNA/so
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