TASK FORCE 2010 CEASES OPERATIONS AT YEAR-END

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- The Task Force 2010, which was set up to mediate peace in the restive southern Thailand in 2007, will cease operations at the end of the year, said Defence Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said the decision was made by the cabinet recently after taking into
consideration the current situation and the endorsement from the Thai
government.

"There is no objection from Thailand. We are not washing our hands in
extending help to Thailand, instead both countries feel that it is better to
capitalise on official agencies and not extended agencies in dealing with the
problem," he told reporters after attending the 49th General Border Committee
Meeting here Wednesday.

The Thai delegation was headed by its Defence Minister, Gen Prawit
Wongsuwan.

"We will continue to provide semi-skill training for Thais to help them
create employment opportunities in southern Thailand," said Zahid, adding that
Malaysia would want to see that the people in the region live in peace.

He said Malaysia and Thailand had also agreed to set up immigration and
quarantine complexes at several places at the border, pursued joint development
projects and curb smuggling.

On human trafficking at the border, he said it was not a serious issue while
smuggling of goods were on small scale.

"Security at the border will be beefed up and both parties have agreed to
scoff at allegations that both countries were human trafficking hotbeds," he
said.

Congratulating Prawit on his appointment as Defence Minister, Zahid said his
experience as a senior military officer would put him in good stead in promoting
cooperation for peace, security and economic growth in the border areas between
the two countries.
-- BERNAMA