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| Tuesday, 21 December 2004 |
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Malaysia attacks Australia anti-terror net CANBERRA,Monday (Reuters) Malaysia has warned Australia not to "bulldoze" through a maritime anti-terror plan that has already been criticised by neighbouring Indonesia as breaching international law and Jakarta's sovereignty over its own waters. The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported on Monday that Malaysia's Deputy Defence Minister, Zainal Abidin Zin, described the plan as "volatile". "They cannot bulldoze a plan that does not honour the sovereignty of another country," Abidin Zin said. "They cannot say, for the sake of security, they have the power to intercept ships. We are not happy with the statement showing their supremacy." Under the plans unveiled by Prime Minister John Howard last week, ships destined for Australia could be intercepted once inside a security net stretching up to 1,000 nautical miles (1,850 km) away. Once inside the zone all ships will be required to identify themselves and give details of cargo and crew, while suspicious vessels could be intercepted in a move some analysts say will bolster a view of Australia as a regional U.S. "deputy sheriff". Australia's Defence Minister Robert Hill defended the plan as he wrapped up a two-day visit to Indonesia on Friday, and said it was not an attempt to extend Australia's maritime jurisdiction. |
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