Indonesian Military (TNI) Chief Adm. Agus Suhartono said Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Afghan President Hamid Karzai will attend the event.
Nusa Dua, Bali (ANTARA News) - Indonesian Military (TNI) Chief Adm. Agus Suhartono has confirmed that nine heads of state will attend the 5th Bali Democracy Forum (BDF), an annual political forum, to be held on Thursday (November 8) in Nusa Dua, Bali.

"Eight heads of state and President Yudhoyono have confirmed their participation in BDF," Suhartono said on Wednesday, while overseeing security arrangements ahead of the event.

"Previously, 12 heads of state were scheduled to attend the BDF, but three of them have cancelled their schedule for the event that will be held in Dewata Island," he noted.

"There might be problems in their country, due to which they will be unable to come to Bali," he added.

Suhartono did not mention the names of the three heads of state.

However, he stated that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Afghan President Hamid Karzai will attend the event.

According to Suhartono, the security of all heads of state, who are included in the "Very Very Important Person" (VVIP) category, is the responsibility of all Indonesian security agencies.

He pointed out that the heads of state will also be accompanied by their own security forces.

"The restriction with regard to weapons that can be brought into Indonesia by the other countries' security forces has been communicated to all," Suhartono said.

"Details such as how many weapons are allowed to be brought in, among other things, have been clearly communicated. If there are excess weapons, they will be withheld," he added.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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