Corruption hottest topic in Susilo, Clinton, Bush talks
Corruption hottest topic in Susilo, Clinton, Bush talks
Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has held brief talks with
visiting former U.S. presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush Sr.
on Sunday, discussing topics related to the rebuilding and
reconstruction of Aceh in the wake of Dec. 26 tsunami disaster.
The 20-minute closed-door meeting was held in VIP room of
Polonia Airport in Medan, before the casually dressed former U.S.
presidents headed out to the stricken province.
Several high ranking officials from both countries were also
present at the meeting, including Indonesia's Foreign Minister
Hasan Wirayuda, Cabinet Secretary Sudi Silalahi and the U.S.
Ambassador to Indonesia, B. Lynn Pascoe.
At a press conference following the meeting, President Susilo
said that both former U.S. presidents were visiting Aceh in their
capacity as representatives of the United States of America.
As for Bill Clinton, he was not only representing the American
people, but was also representing United Nations Secretary
General Kofi Annan in order to help promote and organize relief
aid for tsunami victims in various Asian countries.
At the brief meeting, Susilo explained that reconstruction and
rebuilding efforts were now underway in Aceh. He outlined the
kind of assistance that the Americans and international
organizations could provide for tsunami victims there.
Susilo said that he also discussed issues of accountability
for the development assistance, significant amounts of which have
comes from foreign donors, including the U.S.
Susilo assured Clinton and Bush Sr. that aid money would not
be embezzled by corrupt officials.
The Indonesian government is responsible for the management of
aid and will implement proper surveillance and controls so that
all the assistance reaches the proper targets, Susilo said.
"I have conveyed this to all heads of state who have visited
Aceh with whom I have met, and not only to these former U.S.
presidents," said Susilo.