Few reporters gain entry to opening

JAKARTA (JP): Only 190 of the 1,700 local and foreign journalists registered to cover the Special Session are accredited for the main Grahasabha Paripurna building for the opening ceremony on Tuesday morning.

President B.J. Habibie is scheduled to attend.

Antara said the names of the select journalists had yet to be announced as registration was still underway and computers were being used to prepare handouts for the session.

The total number of foreign reporters registered so far is 207. Minister of Information Muhammad Yunus said they were free to cover all activities of the session.

"By giving the opportunity for foreign media to cover the session, the government wants to show the world that we are conducting a democratic activity," Yunus said on Monday as Antara quoted. (01)