US backs Australian ties with Kopassus

13 August 2003

The US Deputy Secretary of State has endorsed Australia's decision to renew ties with the Indonesian Special Forces group, Kopassus, even though America won't follow suit.

Richard Armitage said cooperation is needed to fight terrorism in the region.

The Australian government said the country's involvement with Kopassus would be limited to exclude any members who have been linked to terrorists or involved in human rights abuses.

However, the government insists there should be a relationship to further the regional fight against terrorism and Armitage agrees.

" I think that you live in obviously what's a very dangerous neighborhood," he said.

" Kopassus has certain anti-terror units who are highly trained. I think it's in Australia's interests to try to develop relations again with Kopassus."

But Armitage said the US is not in a position to follow suit, because of the alleged involvement of Kopassus in the killing of two Americans in West Papua.

© Radio Australia 2003.

West Papua index page   |   War on terrorism index page