RI, Uzbekistan sign deal JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia (central bank) has signed an agreement with the Central Bank of Uzbekistan to support bilateral trade. The Indonesian embassy in Tashkent announced yesterday the agreement was signed in Tashkent last Tuesday by Bank Indonesia managing director Paul Sutopo Tjokronegoro and the deputy chairman of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan, MB Nurmuradov.

Universities are too dependent: Scholars By Gedsiri Suhartono JAKARTA (JP): Political observers said yesterday that universities, widely believed to be one of the last respectable institutions in society, have become dependent and turned into bureaucrats' tools. Contacted separately by The Jakarta Post, I Made Supriyatna from Yogyakarta-based Realino Studies Institute and Arbi Sanit from University of Indonesia, said Indonesian universities were no longer progressive.

Surgery on Ramos worries Philippines MANILA (Agencies): President Fidel Ramos of the Philippines underwent surgery yesterday for a cholesterol blockage in a main artery that could have been life-threatening, sparking widespread concern over the country's political succession. Executive Secretary Ruben Torres said the one hour 15 minute operation on the 68-year-old Ramos had been a success.

Intellectual wooed by politicians JAKARTA (JP): Intellectual Emha Ainun Nadjib, who has been wooed for membership by the three political contestants, said Sunday he did not care less if his name was used for publicity by any political party. Emha earlier turned down the United Development Party's (PPP) offer of a seat in the House of Representatives. He was also reportedly approached by the ousted leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Ancol evictions stopped temporarily JAKARTA (JP): North Jakarta Mayor Suprawito said the mayoralty would temporarily stop demolishing Ancol residents' houses after the residents burnt two bulldozers, a city public order office patrol car and a motorcycle Saturday. Suprawito said yesterday officials "will give them the opportunity if residents want to have more dialog with us." The demolitions are to make way for a train facility projects under the state railway company, Perumka.

New bank liquidation rules aim to protect depositors JAKARTA (JP): The government's new regulation on bank liquidation, announced by Bank Indonesia (the central bank) yesterday, provides better protection for depositors if a bank is shut down. The long-awaited regulation also gives legal certainty for depositors, directors, commissioners and shareholders alike regarding the manner and procedure of a bank's liquidation.

Crime rate falling: Police chief JAKARTA (JP): The National Police Chief Lt. Gen. Dibyo Widodo said yesterday the number of crimes reported to police dropped this year and predicted armed robberies, drugs and student brawls would continue to color the country's crime next year. Speaking at an end-of-year conference Dibyo said the number of crimes dropped 6.6 percent to 150,806 cases from 166,474 last year.

Vice presidency the strategic post SURABAYA (JP): Politicians and observers alike agreed yesterday that the position of vice president would be strategic in ensuring the smooth succession of national leadership. Suhardiman of the ruling Golkar, political scientists Yahya A.