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Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei pledge 2,000 soldiers for Mideast peacekeeping
By Channel NewsAsia's Indonesia Bureau Chief Sujadi Siswo | Posted: 10 August 2006 2007 hrs

 
 
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Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei are preparing to send a total of 2,000 troops to the UN peacekeeping mission in the Middle East.

This follows the decision taken at the recent meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Conference, or OIC.

The armed forces of the three ASEAN countries are now exploring ways to work together and set up a joint operations command.

Soldiers from Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei Darrussalam are gearing up for peace keeping duties in Lebanon.

Military commanders from the three ASEAN countries met in Jakarta to discuss co-operation, logistics and joint operations once their troops are deployed to the Middle East

Air Marshal Djoko Suyanto, Indonesian Armed Forces Chief, said: "We are waiting for the United Nations decision. The process at the UN is still continuing, and this is our preparation. When the time comes and the armed forces of Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia are asked to be part of a UN mission, we will be well prepared."

Indonesia and Malaysia have each committed at least one mechanised battalion of 850 soldiers, and a supporting ship for to the international peace keeping force.

Jakarta says it will also include anti-aircraft equipment and personnel in anticipation of continued Israeli air strikes.

Brunei, which has a much smaller military, is committing 200 troops to the UN mission.

General Dato' Paduka Sri Haji Halbi bin Haji Muhammad Yusuf, Brunei's Military Chief, said: "We all agreed that this mission is an important and noble mission working for peace in the region."

The three armed forces already have regular joint military exercises, either at the bilateral or regional level.

Admiral Muhammad Anwar, Malaysian Armed Forces Chief, said: "This is an upgrading of our bilateral exercises - the on-going bilateral operations we have. We think there'll be no difficulties given the strong foundation that exist. In no time, soldiers from the three armed forces can jointly carry out their duties effectively."

Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei are exploring ways to set up a joint operations command for their peacekeeping force.

This involves sending an advance team to sort out the sharing of information and logistics.

The three armed forces have also pledged to remain neutral during their peacekeeping mission - despite the public and official protests in their countries against Israel.

Air Marshal Djoko Suyanto said: "We will not discriminate against races, religions, groups or nations. We do not look at the conflict as one of Muslims against Israel."

At least 16 nations have said they will send troops to southern Lebanon to support the UN mission once a ceasefire is declared. - CNA/ch

 

 



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