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