Australia praises RI's democratic election

Australia praises RI's democratic election

Agencies, Sydney, Australia

Australian Prime Minister John Howard on Monday welcomed Indonesia's democratic presidential election and pledged to work with whichever candidate won.

Campaigning in Darwin ahead of Australia's Oct. 9 general election, Howard said it was not appropriate to comment on who he thought would win but he welcomed the signal the election sent.

"I will obviously work with whoever is chosen by the Indonesian people, subject to being chosen by the Australian people myself," Howard said.

"It's a magnificent tribute to the people of Indonesia that the democratic process is working. I admire the fortitude of the Indonesians in the changes that they have made."

Incumbent President Megawati Soekarnoputri is facing off challenger and favorite Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in the second round run-off election, the first direct election for president in Indonesia's history.

Howard said he knew the candidates well and understood both were committed to close relationships with Australia.

"Whatever the outcome is, we will work closely and harmoniously with their government," Howard said.

Separately, Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer also said the outcome would not alter the bilateral relationship.

"We've had a great relationship with President Megawati so if she wins that relationship will continue," Downer said.

"Bambang Yudhoyono has been a very good friend of ours as well."

Downer added that Megawati had indicated that she would look forward to visiting Australia if she was reelected.

Australia and Indonesia have often had a difficult relationship, particularly since Australia led international intervention in East Timor in 1999.

Relations between Australia and Indonesia have steadily improved, despite a blast earlier this month outside Australia's embassy in Jakarta that killed nine Indonesians and wounded scores more and the Oct. 12, 2002 Bali bombings that killed 88 Australians.

The terror attacks have led to increased cooperation between the two governments as well as their law enforcement and intelligence agencies.