Gus Dur slated to meet Clinton during U.S. visit

JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid is scheduled to meet with United States President Bill Clinton next week as part of his eight-day overseas tour, which will include visits to eight member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Japan.

Abdurrahman is expected to meet with Clinton after undergoing medical treatment for his eyes in Salt Lake City, Utah, although there is still no official confirmation on the date of the informal meeting, sources said here on Thursday.

"The White House has in principle agreed to the meeting," said a government official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Alwi Shihab also indicated on Tuesday that the two leaders would meet. "He will go to Salt Lake City for eye treatment, and then during his visit there, why not say hello to the host," Alwi said.

At a meeting with a group of ulemas from East Java held on Tuesday, Abdurrahman said his eyesight would be cured because doctors there could provide him with "computerized crystal eyes".

"In the middle of this month I will be able to see again," the President said.

The President and his entourage, including First Lady Sinta Nuriyah will depart on Saturday morning for a brief visit to Singapore before leaving for Malaysia the same day.

Abdurrahman said he would pay an introductory visit to the leaders of all the ASEAN countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, the Philippines, Vietnam and Laos. Brunei is not on the itinerary because Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah will be out of the country.

Abdurrahman will fly to Salt Lake City after meeting on Tuesday afternoon with the Philippines President Joseph Estrada. On his way back from the United States he will make a brief stopover in Tokyo.

When asked whether he would also meet with Myanmar's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, the President replied: "Hopefully we can meet. It depends on whether or not we get the opportunity. Personally, my sympathy goes to Suu Kyi."

He also said he was very eager to visit Japan, China and India this year because of their key role in Asia.

Abdurrahman said on Thursday that during his trip abroad, Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri would be in charge of daily government activities, including a Cabinet meeting scheduled for next Wednesday. (prb)