Gus Dur to visit S'pore next week

Gus Dur to visit S'pore next week

SINGAPORE (AP): Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid will visit Singapore next week, with relations between the two neighbor countries beginning to heal after a recent spat, Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong said on Thursday.

In an exclusive interview with the Associated Press, Goh said he "received word" that Wahid would come Monday to witness the signing of an agreement under which Singapore will buy natural gas by pipeline from Indonesia.

Goh didn't give further details of Wahid's visit, or say whether the two leaders would meet.

Relations between the countries were strained in late November when Wahid berated Singapore after a summit of Southeast Asian leaders in Singapore.

Abdurrahman accused Goh of currying favor with China at the expense of Indonesia and other less-developed Southeast Asian countries.

Abdurrahman also suggested that Indonesia and nearby Malaysia jointly gain control of Singapore's water supply - much of which currently comes from Malaysia - to teach tiny, prosperous Singapore "a lesson."

The Indonesian President later said Singapore Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew had rudely suggested that the beleaguered Wahid leave office soon. Lee denied making the suggestion.

"The outburst was totally unexpected," Goh said of Wahid's criticisms. "We knew the pressure Wahid was under, so we responded in a calm, dignified manner."

Abdurrahman's remarks shocked Singaporeans and political observers around Southeast Asia, where leaders are known for keeping most disputes quiet in the name of regional unity.

Goh said on Thursday that he was optimistic about his city- state's relations with its giant neighbor.

"Relations with Indonesia can carry on as before," he said. "Relations are all right."

Abdurrahman has come under fire in recent months for what critics say is economic mismanagement and a failure to rein in separatist and political violence in the world's fourth most populous nation.