MALAYSIA, INDONESIA CAN SETTLE ISSUE THROUGH DISCUSSIONS - ANIFAH

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 1 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Indonesia are capable of
resolving whatever issues that crop up through bilateral discussions without
third-party intervention, said Foreign Minister Anifah Aman.

"So far, we are able to sit down together and discuss ways to find the most
amicable solution," he said when approached by reporters after attending the
53rd Merdeka celebration at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil, here Tuesday.

Anifah, who was asked to comment on several issues involving Malaysia and
Indonesia, said the current conflict between the two countries could be resolved
through the Asean spirit.

Being neighbours, he said Malaysia and Indonesia had many similarities and
shared benefits in various aspects.

An organisation known as the People's Democratic Front (Bendera) recently staged
a demonstration and hurled human faeces within the grounds of the Malaysian
Embassy in Jakarta and planned to oust Malaysian nationals from Indonesia.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Dr Marty Natalegawa was reported to be visiting
Malaysia on Sept 6 to meet Anifah and discuss the incident on the demonstration
besides other bilateral matters.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said diplomatic channels between
Malaysia and Indonesia should be used in the best manner so that the close
relations between the two countries could be maintained.

Using the diplomatic channels would be able to prevent any group who tried to
jeopardise the cordial relations between the two neighbouring countries, he
said.

Matters that touched on border issues would always crop up but they could be
resolved amicably through wisdom and the maturity of the leaders of the two
countries.
-- BERNAMA