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.