Subject: DV: Radar equipment to be purchased from
Netherlands
Date: Sat, 22 May 1999 10:22:54 -0400
From: "John M. Miller" <fbp@igc.apc.org>BBC Summary of World Broadcasts
Radar equipment to be purchased from Netherlands Source: 'De Volkskrant', Amsterdam, in
Dutch 18 May 99
The Hague: Foreign Minister Van Aartsen has now given his permission to Hollandse
Signaalapparaten (HSA) to supply the Indonesian navy with radar equipment worth 81m
guilders.
Van Aartsen is now convinced that President Habibie's government is striving to achieve
greater democracy. The Foreign Ministry also pointed out that Habibie has given his
authorization for the United Nations to send observers to the troubled East Timor.
Although the Economic Affairs Ministry advised in favour of HSA's application for an
export license, Van Aartsen had opposed it for months. Unlike his predecessor Van Mierlo,
the minister believed that poverty-stricken Indonesia should not spend money on expensive
weapons. Van Aartsen also doubted the good intentions of the Indonesia armed forces prior
to the fall of the Suharto government.
Development Cooperation Minister Herfkens said a few weeks ago that she did not want to
do any business with the Habibie government. But her spokesperson said that she agrees
with Van Aartsen. She simply meant that they will not be starting any aid projects,
explained the spokesperson.
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