Governor says it with tears

JAKARTA (JP): So moved by what he saw as President Soeharto's honesty, Irian Jaya governor Jacob Pattipi only mumbled broken words and shed tears when asked to comment on the President's inaugural speech yesterday.

"He (Soeharto) is a great man... Not only did he list successes but also admitted failures. On top of that, he also expects criticisms," he said.

He paused, pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, took off his glasses and repeatedly wiped away tears. He said he was very moved by the President's statements.

Pattipi mentioned the numerous efforts that Soeharto has made to develop Irian Jaya, the eastern-most province which is rich in natural resources but remains poor. (pan)