Indonesian president, Bush to talk about non-military issues: FM

Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda said Monday President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) would only discuss non-military issues in a meeting with US President Bush scheduled for later this month.

"We indeed wish to put forward issues relating to cooperation in what could be categorized as 'soft power', namely mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, investment and other sectors that could help us meet the Millennium Development Goals relating to poverty eradication, health, education and other such issues," the minister said after attending a plenary cabinet meeting.

He said no military issue was likely to be discussed at the meeting between the two leaders at the presidential palace in Bogor, because politically the issue was considered settled.

"Politically, there is no problem any more in military-to- military cooperation. If there is, it will only be technical in nature. We no longer have the problem of an embargo like before. So it now depends on whether or not we have money to buy (military equipment from the US). In other words, politically no further talks on it are needed," Antara news agency quoted the minister as saying.

Regarding to the exact date of President Bush's visit, Hassan said it was still being discussed with the U.S. side. Several media had reported Bush might arrive on November 20.

Thousands of people have threatened to take to the streets in Jakarta and Bogor to protest the visit.

"We will announce the date in due course of time. Discussions are now still being held about it. We are meanwhile continuing to make the necessary preparations for the visit as befits a good host," he said.

Source: Xinhua