UN Investigates Arms Smuggling Attempt by Indonesian Peacekeepers

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Spokesperson at the Foreign Affairs Ministry Arrmanatha Nasir said Monday, January 23, that the United Nations is investigating an alleged attempt by Indonesian Police belonging to the peacekeeping mission in Darfur (Unamid), Sudan, to smuggle arms.

"We have received information on the arms smuggling that has happened in Sudan. The UN is conducting an investigation," Nasir said in a statement received here on Monday, January 23.

It was reported that the local authority of North Darfur arrested Indonesian police belonging to the hybrid peacekeeping mission in Darfur for smuggling arms through El-Fasher airport on Friday, January 20, local time.

The information from Sudanese Media Center stated that the weapons and ammunition seized were concealed in dust and stones.

The customs unit seized several weapons such as 29 Kalashnikovs, four guns, six GM3 guns, and 61 pistols.

However, there is yet any confirmation on the involvement of Indonesian police in the arms smuggling attempt, Nasir stated.

"According to the initial report we received from the Indonesian police personnel, the smuggled stuff does not belong to the Indonesian Police troops," he added.

Indonesian Ambassador to Sudan has met the police troops in order to provide assistance.

"A team of National Police will soon depart to provide legal aid and seek clarity regarding this matter," Nasir remarked.

ANTARA