Rice talks to focus on counterterrorism

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Tue, 03/14/2006 8:06 AM

Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Cooperation in combating terrorism, bird flu as well as military relations are expected to be main topics of discussion during the two-day visit of U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice starting Tuesday.

Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda said here Monday the visit showed Washington's appreciation of the progress made by Indonesia in the post-1998 reform era, especially in playing a greater diplomatic role in the region.

""This visit is strategic. Indonesia used to be perceived in mere snapshots, such as in human rights or military issues, but the (internal) shifting process has led to greater appreciation toward new things happening here. There's a stronger and bigger reason for Indonesia to build cooperation with the U.S.,"" he said.

Hassan listed renewing military cooperation, counterterrorism measures, dealing with issues of human security, particularly bird flu and HIV/AIDS, and education as the prime topics of Rice's visit.

""Rice has often said that democratization in Indonesia has transformed the degree of the bilateral relationship between the two nations, as well as U.S. appreciation toward Indonesia's role in Southeast Asia and East Asia, which Indonesia has always preferred the concept of being inclusive,"" he said.

Hassan met President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to discuss issues in conjunction with the upcoming visits of three leaders -- Rice, Singapore President Nathan Singh (March 19-23) and British Prime Minister Tony Blair (March 29-30).

Singh will pay a courtesy visit to the country, while Blair's trip -- the first by a British leader since Margaret Thatcher in 1985 -- is aimed at redefining the ties between the two nations in various areas.

Rice is also scheduled to visit an Islamic school and to meet Muslim figures here in an apparent move to bolster the image of the U.S. among the Muslim community, amid the negative impact from its involvement in Iraq and hostile relations with Iran.

Hassan said Jakarta would probably not raise the issue of Hambali, an Indonesian who has been accused of being part of the al-Qaeda terror network and is now said to be in U.S. detention.

""We've expressed our demand to the U.S. over Hambali, that is for access. However, this will not be a central issue although there's always the possibility of it being mentioned.""

The two countries have developed better relations in recent years, although critics say the superpower is merely seeking another ally in its declared war on terror.

Many also believe the U.S. is boosting ties with Indonesia to gain a foothold in the region amid its concerns about the emergence of China.

Hassan said any discussion of China would be constructive, because ""... Indonesia has chosen a policy to engage China positively"".

The visit will also touch on relations between Palestine and Israel, which have been jeopardized following the triumph of hardline group Hamas in the recent Palestinian election.

""Indonesia is home to the world's biggest Muslim population, and is expected to help the peace process there. Our stance is that we support the process there, one which is democratic and transparent. We will monitor the next phase in the creation of the administration,"" said Hassan.

Security is tight for the visit, with Jakarta Police deploying 1,259 officers, including the bomb squad and snipers, city police spokesman Sr. Comr. I Ketut Untung Yoga Ana said Monday.

Security measures are focused on Halim Perdanakusumah Airport in East Jakarta and the JW Marriott Hotel in Central Jakarta, where the U.S. delegation will stay. (07)

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