Indonesia concerned over more US troops in Iraq

JAKARTA, Jan 8 (Reuters) Indonesia is uneasy about the possibility of more US troops in Iraq and would like to see a Muslim peacekeeping force established, the foreign minister of the world's most populous Muslim country said today.

US President George W Bush is expected to outline a shift in policy on Iraq this week with the prospect of a short-term increase of up to 20,000 US troops to try to restore stability.

When Bush visited the Southeast Asian nation in November, Indonesia suggested a set of resolutions on Iraq, including reconciliation of sectarian groups and involving Muslim troops.

''Entering the fourth year of the war in Iraq, Indonesia views that the role of international society is absolutely needed in its resolution,'' Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda said in a speech to mark the New Year.

Asked about the expected US troop surge, he said: ''We are concerned, if it is true, that in the new policy on Iraq America would give priority to military deployment in resolving the problem.

''We know that the existence of the US forces and their allies is part of the problem there,'' the minister said, stressing the need for ''buffer forces involving Muslim nations''.

Some Bush policies, especially in West Asia, are deeply unpopular in Indonesia, where 85 per cent of the population follows Islam. Jakarta has consistently criticised the US-led invasion of Iraq.

However, the two countries are allies in the US-led ''war on terror''.

''Although terror strikes in 2006 have dwindled, terrorism is still a threat to international peace and security,'' Wirajuda said, adding that empowering moderate voices was the key to stopping new attacks.

Deadly bombings have hit Indonesia every year since 2000 but last year was the first without a major attack.

More than 300 militants linked to previous attacks have been prosecuted in Indonesia in recent years.

REUTERS AB BST1542