Brunei Gurkhas To Be Deployed To Aceh For Relief Assistance

London - Britain is offering a 120-strong team of Gurkha troops along with two helicopters to Indonesia to help with the tsunami relief effort.

The Nepalese troops, currently based in Brunei Darussalam, will provide support in the worst hit Indonesian province of Aceh.

The decision to use the troops was taken Tuesday by a committee chaired by Prime Minister Tony Blair, and a Downing Street spokesman said details were still being worked out with the Indonesian government.

"We will be discussing the details and timing-of the deployment with the Indonesian government.

This is in addition to the ships and aircraft we have already committed to the relief operation in the Indian Ocean," the spokesman said.

People in Britain, along with those in other European countries, observed a three-minute silence at noon GMT.

Flags were flown at half mast at government buildings and at Buckingham Palace. The royal family announced it was participating in the period of silence.

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said Monday he anticipated the total British death toll would reach 200.  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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