| Submit your comments on this article |
| Southeast Asia |
| Australia, New Zealand Interested in Patrolling Malacca Strait |
| 2005-09-16 |
| KUANTAN, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- Australia and New Zealand have expressed interest to jointly patrol the Strait of Melaka to beef up security. Royal Australia Navy Chief Vice-Admiral Russ Shalders said the "eyes in the sky" concept was one of the ways to prevent terrorism and piracy at the world's busiest waterway. "We will be very happy to help in terms of providing the experience in air patrolling," he told reporters after launching of the LIMA 2005 Exercise by Armed Forces Chief Admiral Tan Sri Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor. Shalders, however, said Malaysia should make an official request to the Australian Government... New Zealand Air Component Commander R.J. Dick said though his country had limited capabilities, they were willing to share their experience in air surveillance. "We only have two frigates but we will look at any request," he said. Joint air patrols at the strait by Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand were launched by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Tuesday to enhance security against pirates and terrorists. Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia will contribute two aircraft each for the operations while Thailand will act as an observer at the initial stage. Najib had said the international community would be allowed to participate in the operations without them undermining the sovereignty principles of the littoral states and their responsibility over the safety and security of the strait. Mohd Anwar said current air surveillance in the strait were by littoral states. "We'll open our doors to other countries especially user countries to participate," he said. |
| Posted by:Pappy |