ASEAN leaders at first lady's funeral

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)