ISLAMIC militants would turn South-East Asia into "a
ring of fire" unless they are actively confronted, US Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice warned yesterday, just hours before she was to touch down in
Australia.
Dr Rice, wrapping up a two-day trip to Indonesia,
said al-Qaida-linked terrorist groups blamed for a
series of bloody attacks in recent years were trying to destroy the
multi-ethnic region's tradition of tolerance.
She was due to arrive in Sydney
overnight for three days of regional security talks with Foreign Minister
Alexander Downer and Japanese counterpart Taro Aso.
Terrorism, the Iraq
war, the North Korean nuclear crisis and China's
role are expected to be on the agenda.
"We are working alongside countries like Malaysia
and Singapore,
and to build the capacity of others like the Philippines,
who have the will to fight terrorism but need help with the means," Dr
Rice said.
She said groups like Abu Sayyaf
and Jemaah Islamiah – two
of South-East Asia's most notorious terrorist outfits –
must be fought.
Posted: 3/16/06
Source: AP
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