MEMBERS OF THE US Congress are threatening to block a $160 million sale to Indonesia of nine former Pakistani Lockheed Martin F-16A/B fighters, because of concerns about human rights in Indonesia.
Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy has warned US Secretary of State Warren Christopher that the proposed sale could face Congressional opposition.
The move follows the Indonesian Government's recent political crackdown against local opposition parties.
US officials remain confident that the sale will be allowed to proceed, however, having enlisted the personal support of US President Bill Clinton.
The US Administration is keen to use the F-16 deal to heal relations with Jakarta, which were damaged in 1993 after an earlier Northrop F-5E/F deal had been vetoed by the USA.
An Indonesian source close to the negotiations expects the deal to be finalised within the next 30 to 60 days, after overcoming a last-minute financing delay.
The deal includes $25 million-worth of structural and engine modifications and a $15 million missile package.
Source: Flight International
