ID :
59113
Wed, 05/06/2009 - 11:04
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/59113
The shortlink copeid
RI SELECTIVE IN CHOOSING FOREIGN ARMS SUPPLIERS
Jakarta, May 5 (ANTARA) - Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Subandrio said Indonesia is more selective in choosing foreign arms producers to supply weapons to the Indonesian military (TNI), the air force (TNI AU) in particular.
"After the US has lifted its military embargo on Indonesia, the TNI including the TNI AU is more selective. Among the conditions to offer weapons to Indonesia are that the arms deal is not linked to politics nor embargo," he said after attending the launch of book titled "Saleh Basara: Perjalanan Hidup dan Pengabdianku" (Saleh Basara: My Life and Dedication) here on Tuesday.
Subandrio said he explained the TNI AU's stance to Commander of the US Pacific Air Forces General Carrol "Howie" Candhler during their meeting at the TNI AU Headquarters here at the weekend.
Because of the 10-year-old US arms embargo on Indonesia, the preparedness of the TNI particularly the TNI AU had declined, Subandrio said.
"We don't want it to happen again. That's why the main requirements of foreign arms suppliers including those from the US are that they must not link the arms deal to politics which can lead to the imposition of arms embargo," he said.
He said his meeting with Chandler also discussed efforts to enhance relations between the two air forces, particularly in providing education and training courses for military officers.
"After the US has lifted its military embargo on Indonesia, the TNI including the TNI AU is more selective. Among the conditions to offer weapons to Indonesia are that the arms deal is not linked to politics nor embargo," he said after attending the launch of book titled "Saleh Basara: Perjalanan Hidup dan Pengabdianku" (Saleh Basara: My Life and Dedication) here on Tuesday.
Subandrio said he explained the TNI AU's stance to Commander of the US Pacific Air Forces General Carrol "Howie" Candhler during their meeting at the TNI AU Headquarters here at the weekend.
Because of the 10-year-old US arms embargo on Indonesia, the preparedness of the TNI particularly the TNI AU had declined, Subandrio said.
"We don't want it to happen again. That's why the main requirements of foreign arms suppliers including those from the US are that they must not link the arms deal to politics which can lead to the imposition of arms embargo," he said.
He said his meeting with Chandler also discussed efforts to enhance relations between the two air forces, particularly in providing education and training courses for military officers.
