Alatas to meet future HK chief

HONG KONG (JP): Just hours before Hong Kong is officially handed over to China, Indonesian foreign minister Ali Alatas will meet with the territory's future chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, to urge continued economic ties between Hong Kong and Indonesia.

Alatas said that during his meeting with Tung he would convey Indonesia's hope that the close economic and commercial ties between Indonesia and Hong Kong would be sustained and, if possible, prosper once the colony reverts back to Chinese rule.

Speaking after meeting British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, Alatas said Indonesia welcomed the return of Hong Kong to China.

"We see the return of Hong Kong to Chinese territory in a more strategic setting, how it will impact on the overall economic and political situation in East Asia," Alatas said.

Alatas is Indonesia's official representative at the handover ceremony.

Indonesian Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono is also in Hong Kong as a special guest of Beijing and will attend mainly Chinese organized events.

During tonight's official handover ceremony, Moerdiono will be given a seat in the "prominent leaders" section. Other dignitaries in this section are former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and former Singapore premier Lee Kuan Yew.

Alatas said yesterday that despite the handover Indonesia's Consulate General would function as usual with no change in its status.

"The Chinese government has accepted the presence of foreign consulates in Hong Kong, including ours, so our consulate will be able to operate quite normally," he said while lauding the close ties between Jakarta and Beijing.

Alatas said his discussions with Cook were "candid and open". This is the first meeting between the two ministers.

But Alatas said they had some differing views, particularly in the areas of human rights.

During the meeting Cook said Britain intended to review the sale of arms to Indonesia which could be used for internal use.

After the meeting Alatas attended a banquet hosted by Britain's Prince Charles.

Later today he will meet Australia's foreign minister, Alexander Downer, and Japan's foreign minister, Yukihiko Ikeda.

Alatas will also attend an informal get together of visiting ASEAN ministers. (ego)