Bush hails Indonesia's success in fighting terrorism

Bush hails Indonesia's success in fighting terrorism

Agence France-Presse, Washington

U.S. President George W. Bush telephoned his Indonesian
counterpart Megawati Soekarnoputri on Wednesday to congratulate
her on her country's success in fighting terrorism, the White
House said.

"The president emphasized his appreciation for Indonesia's
excellent work in counterterrorism cooperation, including the
investigation of the Bali bombings," said spokesman Ari
Fleischer.

"He thanked President Megawati for her government's efforts to
ensure the safety of Americans working in and visiting
Indonesia," he said.

"And the two presidents discussed the situation in Iraq and
agreed that (Iraqi leader) Saddam Hussein must disarm in
accordance with his (UN) Security Council obligations."

Two bomb blasts in a restaurant and disco on the Indonesian
resort island of Bali Oct. 12 left 202 dead.

Authorities said the culprits were guerrillas of Jamaah
Islamiyah, a regional group said to be linked to the al-Qaeda
network that carried out the Sept. 11 attacks on New York and
Washington.