Bishop Belo prays for Gus Dur

DILI, East Timor: Dili Bishop Carlos Felipe Ximenes Belo said on Tuesday he would pray for the health and a speedy recovery of Muslim leader Abdurrahman Wahid, better known as Gus Dur, who is undergoing eye surgery in the U.S.

Antara quoted Belo as saying in the East Timor capital of Dili that he also hoped Abdurrahman would soon return home and take care of his religious, social and political duties.

"We heard the news that Gus Dur left for medical treatment in the United States from his younger sister, Mrs. Lily Wahid, who was specially sent by him here to convey to us his message of peace and solidarity," Belo said.

He said Indonesia was fortunate to have a leading ulema who dedicated his life to considering the maintenance of national unity.

Lily Wahid confirmed Gus Dur's departure for eye surgery, but gave no other details.