Best answer to granite ban question is to seek clarifications: minister

By Valarie Tan, Channel NewsAsia
13 March 2007

SINGAPORE : Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean said it is best to seek clarifications from Indonesia on recent comments about a possible ban on the export of granite to Singapore.

He was speaking to reporters during the graduation ceremony at Republic Polytechnic on Tuesday morning.

Mr Teo was asked if such a ban will affect joint military exercises between the two countries.

"Well, there are many different remarks being made by our counterparts in Indonesia. It's very hard to tell exactly who speaks and what that represents. And we have to clarify with them. And I think that's probably the wisest thing to do right now," said Mr Teo.

When asked a similar question earlier this month following Indonesia's sand ban on Singapore, Mr Teo had said the Armed Forces of both countries have a long history of cooperation, including training and exercises going back to the 1970s. - CNA /ls