Ex-Pakistani PM urges Soeharto to hold dialog

JAKARTA (JP): A visiting former Pakistani leader yesterday suggested President Soeharto and other government officials hold direct dialogs with the people since the country's image had become badly tarnished by foreign media reports over student demonstrations here.

Former Pakistani prime minister Moeen Qureshi pointed out the necessity to counter wrong perceptions caused by media reports on the country's situation.

"Riots here may cause negative impacts on foreign investment in the country, especially if reports by CNN or other members of the foreign press are exaggerated," Qureshi said after meeting with the President at the Bina Graha presidential office.

Accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Ginandjar Kartasasmita, Qureshi met with Soeharto in his capacity as the chairman of the U.S.-based Partner Emerging Market Corp.

He told the President that his company would invest up to US$700 million in infrastructure projects here, including for telecommunication and electricity services.

Qureshi reported that the President responded positively to his suggestion, which he said was based on his own experience while leading Pakistan through a similar crisis.

He also advised the President to devote special attention to poor people who were most severely affected by the economic crisis.

Qureshi, 68, was appointed as Pakistan's acting prime minister for three months in July 1993 when prime minister Nawaz Sharif lost the position.

Although his tenure at the helm of the Pakistani government was brief, the former World Bank vice president has been described as a man with courage because he introduced sweeping and political reforms.

President Soeharto told Qureshi that he was fully committed to his agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to reform the country's economy.

"I am satisfied with the President's reaction," he said.

Later in a separate meeting with the national Thomas Cup and Uber Cup badminton teams, the President criticized the international media for unbalanced reports over the country's situation.

"They always describe it as if we are facing chaos and famine because of the economic wreckage," Soeharto said. (prb)