Malaysia says war not likely over disputed exploration blocks

Malaysia said on Friday there was nolikelihood of a war with Indonesia in their dispute over an offshore oil field that had turned into an ugly diplomatic row and naval confrontation in the past week, AP reported from Kuala Lumpur Friday.

"A maritime or border dispute happens all the time but it should not cause us to be going to war," Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar told reporters after returning from a three-day visit to Indonesia to mend fences. On Thursday, both sides issued a statement, pledging to tackle the problem peacefully.

"In Southeast Asia war is unheard of in modern times," Syed Hamid said.

Before leaving Jakarta earlier Friday, Syed Hamid met with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

"The president made an assurance that everything is under control. He will do everything possible to ensure that the situation calms down without further tension," he said.

Tensions over the offshore oil fields, one of the biggest tests in relations between the two neighbors, flared up last month when Malaysia awarded oil exploration rights in an area of the Sulawesi Sea also claimed by Indonesia.

Both countries sent navy vessels there, and accused each other of trespassing. Syed Hamid downplayed the naval deployments.

"These warships should not be interpreted as a situation of conflict," he said.

"The most important thing is we must be sure the rules of engagement do not create a real situation of a possible shootout. We will make sure that all the paraphernalia that can cause an incident is not turned on," he said. (*)