Top Army Inspects Troops

Semarang (Antara Bali) - Army Chief of Staff Gen. Pramono Edhie Wibowo at the Army's Ahmad Yani air base here on Saturday inspected the preparedness of Indonesian peacekeeping troops who will soon depart for Darfur, Sudan.

A total of 120 Army personnel will be sent to Darfur as part of the UN peacekeeping forces, he said.

The Indonesian peacekeeping mission will be equipped with three MI-17 helicopters.

Pramono asked the Army personnel to maintain the good image of Indonesia in the eyes of the world community while serving the peacekeeping mission.

"Maintain the good image. Show that Indonesian pilots are ready to perform their duties," he said.

The Army chief said the international community is satisfied with the Indonesian troops assigned as UN peacekeeping forces.

Meanwhile, commander of the Indonesian peacekeeping force Lt. Col. Eko P. said the 120 Army personnel have passed a selection test.

Indonesia is on the list of top 15 countries contributing troops to UN peacekeeping operations. The country is planning to increase participation to 4,000 to become one of the world's top 10 contributors. (*/DWA)