
ASEAN SECRETARIAT JAKARTA INDONESIA NEWS RELEASE 20 JANUARY 2003 INDONESIAN PRESIDENT CALLS FOR GREATER COOPERATION TO COMBAT TERRORISM JAKARTA (Jan 20) – Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri has called for closer cooperation between Indonesia and other countries to curb terrorism. Ms. Megawati, who was speaking at the opening of the ASEAN Workshop on Combating Terrorism, said all nations share a common objective in their fight against terrorism. “It is urgent that we bring about an effective cooperation in the fight against such a common enemy,” the President stressed. “Terrorism is now a phenomenon that exists in our life at the national and international levels. It does not only cause social fear and panic but in fact, poses a threat to humanity. Its indiscriminate target and its mostly mass and innocent victims make terrorism a crime against humanity.” Ms. Megawati said the three-day workshop, which brought together the police chiefs from the ten ASEAN countries to exchange views on anti-terrorism and transnational organized crime, is a significant step forward in efforts to fight terrorism. “For whatever background, pretext or objective, terrorism cannot be justified,” said the Indonesian leader. “It is against this backdrop that we are aware that such an evil act may be committed anytime, anywhere and by anyone.” Ms. Megawati acknowledged that the eradication of the terrorist threat is a difficult one for its roots lie in the political, economic and social problems in society. She said terrorism has affected social order, peace and stability in our community, creating insecurity and suspicion among the people. “Terrorism has further added to the existing complexities in our national development programmes,” said Ms. Megawati. “Tourism has been severely affected by the travel ban or warnings issued by some governments….Such a travel ban would jeopardize and threaten other related economic and social activities,” she added. “Panic and fear are on the rise and this would only demonstrate that terrorism has achieved its objective.” The President said greater collaboration among nations can help to curb terrorism. “With information exchange, modernized equipment, provision of training and expertise as well as mutual exchange of relevant facilities, I believe we will be able to enhance our capacity in a more effective way to eradicate terrorism in our respective boundaries,” said Ms. Megawati. “ “Through close cooperation, we will be able to effectively combat it in our individual countries and jointly secure our region from terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.” ENDS// ________________________________________________________________________ Issued by: GERALDINE GOH Senior Officer Public Information ASEAN SECRETARIAT Jakarta, Indonesia Tel: (6221) 724-3372, 726-2991 ext 245 Fax: (6221) 739-8234, 724-3504 Email: geraldine@aseansec.org For news releases and information, visit out website at www.aseansec.org