Antara (Indonesia)

June 27, 2006 Tuesday

YUDHOYONO: SITUATION IN TIMOR LESTE NOT TO AFFECT TIES WITH RI

Batam, Riau Islands June 27

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has stated that situation in Timor Leste would not affect bilateral relations between the two countries.

"Concerning what is currently happening in Timor Leste, President Xanana said in the meeting with me in Bali recently that the situation in his country would not affect the Indonesia-Timor Leste relations," President Yudhoyono said in Batam on Monday.

The head of state stated that the problems prevailing in Timor Leste is its domestic affairs, so Indonesia would not interfere.

However, he added, Indonesia hoped that the security in Timor Leste would be back to normal, and the laws could be upheld again.

President Yudhoyono said that the Timor Leste people should look for the best solution.

According to Yudhoyono, the Indonesia-Timor Leste cooperation could be intensified in the future if the political problems in the tiny country could be solved peacefully.

Timor Leste former prime Minister Mari Alkatiri resigned from his post on Monday in order to prevent President Xanana Gusmao from carrying out his stated intention to step down.

"I resigned from my position as prime minister and as government official of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste in order to prevent the resignation of the President," Alkatiri said in a written statement received by ANTARA here on Monday.

Back to June menu
May menu      
World Leaders Contact List
Main Postings Menu