Govt still unable to obtain parliament approval on mining in forest area
Thursday, June 19 2003 - 01:50 AM WIB
The government was unable to obtain parliament approval on Wednesday over a Cabinet decision to allow 15 mining companies to resume activities in areas designated as protected forest.
A source told Petromindo.com that members of the House of Representatives Commission III on forestry affairs could not yet make a decision as they demanded more time. A Wednesday meeting between the commission and the government turned out inconclusive.
?Commission III is still divided over the matter and said it would need more time for internal discussion," the source said.
The government earlier had obtained the approval of the House Commission VIII on mining and energy affairs, the source said. The approval from the two commissions were necessary to make the Cabinet Tuesday decision effective.(Alex)