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.