Jakarta, Feb. 13 -- Indonesia's Defense Ministry said the military has prepared trained personnel to crew the aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi, as talks continue over the Italian government's planned grant of the vessel.

Brig. Gen. Rico Ricardo Sirait, head of the ministry's public relations and defense information bureau, said the ministry and the Indonesian Military have readied prospective crew members.

"The ministry and the TNI have prepared candidate crew members to operate the ship, including necessary development and training," Rico told ANTARA by phone from Jakarta on Friday.

He did not disclose how many sailors have been assigned or where the training is taking place, but said they are experienced naval personnel.

Rico sai...