Regional leaders acclaim Soeharto<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Congratulatory notes on President Soeharto's
\nreelection poured in yesterday, with neighboring countries
\nexpressing confidence the 76-year-old President's leadership
\nwould help Indonesia out of its economic crisis.<\/p>\n
Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong in a letter to the
\nPresident yesterday said that Indonesia has in the past managed
\nto overcome overwhelming difficulties and widespread poverty due
\nto Soeharto's leadership.<\/p>\n
\"I fully understand the great difficulties people in Indonesia
\nare now experiencing. I know the heavy responsibility you are
\nbeing entrusted with to find the way forward for your people,\"
\nGoh said in his letter.<\/p>\n
\"May I assure you of my continued cooperation and support...
\nYour vigor and stamina in the face of intense pressures speaks
\nvolumes for your resolve to overcome these problems.\"<\/p>\n
Malaysian King Ja'afar Abdul Rahman and Prime Minister
\nMahathir Mohamad each sent letters congratulating Soeharto.<\/p>\n
\"I believe Bapak President will continue to lead the country
\nand people of the Republic of Indonesia to greater progress and
\nprosperity and to successfully overcome the economic crisis it is
\nfacing,\" the Malaysian sovereign said.<\/p>\n
Mahathir, in a separate letter submitted to the Indonesian
\ngovernment shortly after Tuesday's election, said the strong
\nbinds between the two countries would continue.<\/p>\n
\"I believe that Indonesia and Malaysia will continue to be
\nresolute in facing challenges and hope the two countries will
\nelevate cooperation in confronting whatever issues may arise,\" he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Indian Prime Minister I.K. Gujral similarly sent a message
\nexpressing conviction that multifaceted and friendly ties between
\nIndonesia and his country would deepen and expand further in the
\ncoming years.<\/p>\n
Letters from Bangladesh President Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed
\nand Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina also congratulated Soeharto.<\/p>\n
Ahmed asserted that the two countries share common objectives
\nof lasting peace, stability and prosperity in the region.<\/p>\n
\"I am confident that under your leadership, democracy and
\nprosperity will prevail in your beloved country,\" he said.<\/p>\n
The Sri Lankan government yesterday also forwarded a
\ncongratulatory message on Soeharto's reelection, expressing
\nconfidence that \"the warm and cordial bilateral relations between
\nour two countries will be further strengthened in the years
\nahead\". (mds)<\/p>",
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