SYDNEY - Australian police today denied reports that it planned to deploy "flying squads" of counter-terrorism agents in Southeast Asia.

The denial came a day after Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad warned Australia its policemen would not be welcome in his country.

"They can go anywhere but don't come to Malaysia. You can tell them they are not welcome here," he told reporters.

Misinformation

In response, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) issued a statement today denying reports in Australian newspapers the previous day that it wanted a long-term counter-terrorism presence in other countries.

"The Australian Federal Police wishes to clarify its role in assisting to combat terrorism in Southeast Asia and correct misinformation which has emerged in recent days," it said.

"The AFP has not contemplated the creation or deployment of counter-terrorism 'flying squads' to Southeast Asia," it said.

The AFP also denied that Australian police commissioner Mick Keelty would attend a meeting of regional police chiefs later this month in Manila to discuss expanding Australia's police presence in the area.

Collaborative role

"The AFP is not a member of Aseanpol and there will be no AFP presence at this meeting," it said.

"The AFP continues its collaborative role in assisting to combat terrorism and deployments of AFP personnel are made in response to requests from overseas law enforcement agencies o­n a case-by-case basis," it said.

Australia currently has police involved in terrorism investigations in Indonesia and the Philippines and this week sent agents to help investigate the recent bombings in Saudi Arabia. AFP