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| Southeast Asia |
| Eyes-In-The-Sky Ops Over Malacca Strait Begin |
| 2005-09-14 |
| SUBANG, Sept 13 (Bernama) -- Joint air patrols over the Strait of Melaka was launched here Tuesday to allow Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand to beef up security in the world's busiest waterway against pirates and terrorists. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who proposed the "Eyes-In- The-Sky' concept in June, launched the operations at the Royal Malaysia Air Force base here, witnessed by Singapore Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean. Representing Indonesia's Defence Minister was Maj-Gen Dadi Susanto while Thailand by Senior Expert for Supreme Command Gen Orphut Sukswai. Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia will contribute two aircraft each for the operations while Thailand will act as an observer at the initial stage. The planes will mount two patrols per week along the designated sectors of the operation areas. Some 50,000 ships carrying about one-third of the world trade goods use the 960km-long and 1.2km wide at its narrowest point of the strait every year which is vulnerable to pirate attacks. Governments in the region believe it is a tempting target for terrorists. Speaking to reporters later, Najib, who is also Defence Minister, said the "Eyes-In-The-Sky" operation was a testament of Asean solidarity and its willingness to work together to safeguard its waters. "It is also a clear signal to the international community that we are serious about it, we mean business and are willing to pool our resources to help maintain safety and security in the strategic waterway," he said. He said the international community would be allowed to participate in the operations including the United States, without them undermining the sovereignty principles of the littoral states and their responsibility over the safety and security of the strait. "We've provided the guidelines, we will invite them to take part in the platforms they can provide. We will determine the designated areas for them. "But we will have our people on board together with them. If it's necessary to do any intervention, it will be done by the respective countries," he added. Najib's Singaporean counterpart, Teo, said the republic strongly supported the initiative proposed by Najib at the last Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. He described the proposal as practical, useful and served the security needs in the strait. |
| Posted by:Pappy |