Blair salutes Susilo, election

INDONESIA: British Prime Minister Tony Blair sent a salutatory message to Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono for his victory in the first direct presidential election and praised Indonesia for holding a peaceful election year.

"I send my warm congratulation on your election as President of Republic Indonesia," Blair said in the message to Susilo, a copy of which was made available on Thursday to The Jakarta Post by the British Embassy in Jakarta.

"It is an exceptional achievement to conduct three national elections in so open, peaceful and democratic manner," he said.

Blair also expressed a hope the two countries could build upon their bilateral relations in the future.

"The United Kingdom and Indonesia have enjoyed excellent relations over many years, and I look forward to seeing our bilateral cooperation continue to expand and develop," he said. -- JP