Gus Dur performs 'umrah', holds talks with King Fahd

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid upon his arrival here Friday evening, immediately went to Mecca to perform the umrah, Islamic minor pilgrimage.

Side-by-side with his wife, Sinta Nuriyah, the President walked as he performed the first part of the ritual of circling the Kaaba.

During the Sa'i, traversing between two small hills seven times, the president and first lady were pushed in a wheel chair to perform the physically demanding ritual.

After a four hour stay in Mecca the presidential entourage returned to Jeddah.

The umrah was the first itinerary in the president's three-day visit to Saudi Arabia.

On Saturday morning he went to Nabawi Mosque where the Prophet Muhammad is buried.

Later Saturday evening he met with King Fahd to discuss bilateral ties between the two countries.

His visit here is the first stop of a 16 day tour to Middle Eastern, European and Asian countries.

On Sunday the President and his entourage, which includes Foreign Minister Alwi Shihab, State Minister of Research and Technology AS Hikam and a large group of businessmen, will continue their trip to Geneva, Switzerland, where they will attend the World Economy Forum in Davos.

Meanwhile back in Indonesia, talk of possible coups continued.

House of Representatives speaker Akbar Tandjung expressed confidence that the Indonesian Military (TNI) would not undertake such a drastic move while the President was away.

"Such a move by TNI would only stimulate a strong reaction from the people. The military would have to directly confront the people," he said after attending a gathering of Golkar cadres in Yogyakarta on Saturday.

"The TNI chief has also guaranteed national security during the President's trip abroad. He also pledged to unify all elements within TNI," Akbar added.

Talk of a possible coup has been rife since before the president left for his trip abroad.

Abdurrahman himself expressed faith in the military saying he was confident that at least 90 percent of the officers were loyal.

Akbar on Saturday remarked that in an open and democratic era the public was always wary of the military, keeping a close watch on their moves.

Speaking of the latest visit abroad, the House speaker conceded that the visit was important but questioned the long duration of the tour.

"If the President asked us, the House would not have recommend him go abroad for 16 days," he said.

Akbar said the latest tour should have been divided into three different trips with three or four destination countries at a time. (prb/44)