Indonesian Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono has reiterated that March 26th is not a deadline for foreign troops involved in the relief efforts to leave the country.

He made the remarks in Jakarta Sunday after meeting with US Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz.

"I would like to emphasize that March 26th is not a deadline line for involvement of foreign military personnel in the relief effort. It is a benchmark for the Indonesian government to improve and accelerate its relief efforts so that by March 26 the large part of the burden of the relief effort will be carried by the Indonesian government and the Indonesian authorities on the ground."

The minister adds that foreign military assistance and foreign military operations providing relief and rehabilitation will be allowed to continue, albeit on a reduced scale.

Indonesia, which has been uneasy about the presence of large numbers of foreign troops, created a stir last week by saying forces should leave by March 26.

Wolfowitz, who is on a two-day visit to Indonesia, says the United States wants to withdraw troops from the tsunami-hit Aceh as soon as they complete their rescue mission.

Meanwhile, the UN's refugee agency has begun airlifting supplies to remote parts of Indonesia's Aceh province, to help thousands of tsunami survivors yet to receive aid.

Tents, blankets, water containers, kitchen sets and sleeping mats will be given to displaced people in areas isolated by the giant waves.

The move is a first for the UN refugee agency, which usually helps people fleeing violence or persecution. 

(CRIENGLISH.com January 17, 2005)