ASEAN leaders at first lady's funeral

SURAKARTA, Central Java (JP): Leaders from neighboring countries arrived in Surakarta (Solo), Central Java, yesterday to personally express their condolences at the death of First Lady Mrs. Tien Soeharto.

Brunei's Sultan Hasanal Bolkiah of Brunei, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, Thai Prime Minister Banharn Silpa- archa, Singapore's President Ong Teng Cheong and Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong made a special trip to Surakarta to express their sympathy to President Soeharto.

Upon their arrival the leaders went directly to Dalem Kalitan the president's family residence. One by one they met with Soeharto who was accompanied by his eldest daughter Mrs Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana.

The four leaders come from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. They have often associated with the President and Mrs Tien Soeharto. The Philippines and Vietnam are the two other ASEAN members.

The Thai Prime Minister was the last world leader to meet with Ibu Tien, having been on a visit here last week.

After expressing their condolences, the leaders then visited the first lady's coffin to pay their last respects and say prayers.

Cables of sympathy also came from many world leaders yesterday.

Turkish President Suleyman Demirel and his Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, in a cable to President Soeharto, expressed deep sorrow upon hearing the news of Mrs. Tien Soeharto's death.

Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto expressed her shock at hearing of the sad news. Benazir met with Ibu Tien during a state visit here in March.

As reported by Antara, Benazir said she greatly admired Ibu Tien for her hard work and dedication in the emancipation of Indonesian women. Pakistani President Farooq Ahmed Khan Legari also sent a cable pronouncing his sincere condolences. (mds)