Questions asked about proposed Indonesia security pact
Today the Federal Labor party has called for more detail about a security pact being developed by Australia and Indonesia, which would see our country recognize Indonesia’s territorial control over the province of West Papua. In return for supporting Indonesia control over West Papua, parts of which want to break away from Indonesia, the Federal Government says we would enjoy the benefits of closer security ties in the War against Terrorism. The talks have been ongoing between Australian and Indonesia on this issue for some time but have gained greater prominence, as the rift between the two countries remains unmended. Talks between Prime Minister John Howard and his Indonesia counterpart are due to go ahead on the issue next month. To discuss the benefits of closer security ties with our large Muslim neighbour, I spoke earlier with the Dr Ron May, the head of the Australian National University’s Centre for Conflict and Post-Conflict Studies.