Bali to host counter terrorism meeting

DENPASAR (indo.com): Bali will host an international meeting to discuss ways to counter terrorism on February 4 - 5, 2004. Ministers from 23 Asia-Pacific countries, six international organizations and representatives of the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany and Australia are expected to attend the meeting.

Sources said that the Indonesian and Australian Government have agreed to co-sponsor the meeting.

The meeting will mark the opening of a counter terrorism center in Indonesia funded by Australia and Indonesia and is expected to explore ways to increase cooperation in fighting against terror through law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

Both the Indonesian and Australian Government agreed on the planned holding of the meeting several days after the July 29, 2003 bombing of the JW Marriot Hotel in Jakarta. The meeting is also expected to draft an agreement on the establishment of a central forensic laboratory and anti-terror training center.