Brunei, Indon May Get Into Iraq War Aid
By Azlan Othman

Jakarta - Indonesia, Brunei and a few other countries are considering the need of sending humanitarian aid to Iraq particularly in the ongoing war, Indonesian's Antara news agency quoted President Megawati Sukarnoputri as saying.

"We are very concerned about the fate of our brothers and sisters in Iraq," President Megawati said at a dinner to honour His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei at the State Palace in Jakarta Tuesday night.

Megawati noted that Indonesia and Brunei could always cooperate in facing various problems in the region and in the world. The two neighbouring countries had developed common ways of thinking and constructive attitudes, she added.

"The two countries' common ambition to materialise just, peace and prosperous world order have contributed strength to both countries' efforts to help find solutions to existing problems," Megawati said.

Meanwhile the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported that Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei want the United Nations (UN) to take the lead in the establishment of a post-war government in Iraq and ensure the participation of the Iraqi people in the process.

The Brunei ruler echoed Indonesia's stance during bilateral talks with President Megawati on Wednesday, Antara news agency reported.

In the joint press statement, the two leaders called on the international community to ensure that post war arrangements were made within the UN framework. They also expressed grave concern about the situation in Iraq and deep regret that the process of dialogue and diplomacy had failed to avert war there.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayudha said that both leaders were in agreement over the need for the establishment of a government reconstruction and humanitarian aid for the Iraqi people after the war.

"We are following closely the developments in these major issues and expect the UN to be part of the whole process," the minister added. (Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin)

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