Habibie ready to give up power, Juwono says
Habibie ready to give up power, Juwono says
JAKARTA (JP): B.J. Habibie asserted his readiness to be
stripped of the presidency, but appealed to his critics to use
"constitutional means" and not to exploit political issues to
create anarchy for their own political ends.
Habibie's remarks came after a surprise meeting at Merdeka
Palace on Saturday with several government officials to discuss
the bloody two days of protests against the state security bill.
The protests on Thursday and Friday in the capital left at
least seven dead, including a 14-year-old boy.
Following the more than two-hour meeting, Habibie, through
Minister of Education and Culture Juwono Sudarsono, conveyed his
condolences to the families of the victims and deplored that
political issues such as the controversial bill were exploited to
fuel fiery protests against the government.
"President Bacharudin Jusuf Habibie expressed his readiness to
be dismissed or resign in a constitutional manner through the
proper institution, the People's Consultative Assembly," Juwono
said.
"Don't manipulate certain issues such as Bank Bali, East Timor
and the state security bill to justify taking actions outside the
law and mobilizing mass protests, because these events tend to
lead to tragedy.
"Everyone who disagrees with him should take it up with the
People's Consultative Assembly elected in the June 7 elections,"
Juwono said delivering Habibie's message.
Apart from Juwono, Saturday's meeting was attended by
Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Feisal
Tanjung, Indonesian Military Deputy Commander Adm. Widodo AS,
National Police chief Gen. Roesmanhadi, Jakarta Police chief Maj.
Gen. Nugroho Djajusman and Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso.
Juwono repeatedly said Habibie was ready to relinquish the
presidency through constitutional means and that he was also
willing to accept criticism through demonstrations and other
public protests as long as they were held in an orderly manner.
"Don't force your will in the name of democracy or reform,"
Juwono added. (prb/mds)