Corruption hottest topic in Susilo, Clinton, Bush talks<\/p>\n
Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan<\/p>\n
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has held brief talks with
\nvisiting former U.S. presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush Sr.
\non Sunday, discussing topics related to the rebuilding and
\nreconstruction of Aceh in the wake of Dec. 26 tsunami disaster.<\/p>\n
The 20-minute closed-door meeting was held in VIP room of
\nPolonia Airport in Medan, before the casually dressed former U.S.
\npresidents headed out to the stricken province.<\/p>\n
Several high ranking officials from both countries were also
\npresent at the meeting, including Indonesia's Foreign Minister
\nHasan Wirayuda, Cabinet Secretary Sudi Silalahi and the U.S.
\nAmbassador to Indonesia, B. Lynn Pascoe.<\/p>\n
At a press conference following the meeting, President Susilo
\nsaid that both former U.S. presidents were visiting Aceh in their
\ncapacity as representatives of the United States of America.<\/p>\n
As for Bill Clinton, he was not only representing the American
\npeople, but was also representing United Nations Secretary
\nGeneral Kofi Annan in order to help promote and organize relief
\naid for tsunami victims in various Asian countries.<\/p>\n
At the brief meeting, Susilo explained that reconstruction and
\nrebuilding efforts were now underway in Aceh. He outlined the
\nkind of assistance that the Americans and international
\norganizations could provide for tsunami victims there.<\/p>\n
Susilo said that he also discussed issues of accountability
\nfor the development assistance, significant amounts of which have
\ncomes from foreign donors, including the U.S.<\/p>\n
Susilo assured Clinton and Bush Sr. that aid money would not
\nbe embezzled by corrupt officials.<\/p>\n
The Indonesian government is responsible for the management of
\naid and will implement proper surveillance and controls so that
\nall the assistance reaches the proper targets, Susilo said.<\/p>\n
\"I have conveyed this to all heads of state who have visited
\nAceh with whom I have met, and not only to these former U.S.
\npresidents,\" said Susilo.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/corruption-hottest-topic-in-susilo-clinton-bush-talks-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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