Australian lawmakers to aid election

Australian lawmakers to aid election

JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri met with visiting
Australian parliament members on Thursday, and they told her that
bilateral relations would remain strong regardless of the outcome
of the upcoming elections.

"Whatever might happen in the elections, we will be a good
friend to our nearest neighbor Indonesia," delegation chairman
David Jull said after meeting with Megawati.

He said the upcoming elections would likely be an exciting
time for Indonesia because of the direct presidential election,
while adding that Australia was proud to be providing expertise
as well as financial assistance for the election.

Indonesia will hold a direct presidential election for the
first time in its history on July 5, with a possible runoff on
Sept. 20, 2004.

"This is a huge job for your electoral authorities and
Australia is assisting. We will be back to lend a hand during the
election," Jull said.

During the meeting, the delegation also emphasized the
importance of boosting people-to-people and legislator-to-
legislator contact between the two countries. -- JP