Hun Sen meets Habibie

Hun Sen meets Habibie

JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie praised visiting
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday for the success of
Cambodia's general election last July, and implied that Indonesia
could learn from Cambodia when it holds its general election in
June.

"It proves the strong determination of Cambodians to end their
uncertain future and to focus their attention on national
economic development," the President said in a speech before a
state banquet to honor Hun Sen at the State Palace.

"I hope and believe the election (in Indonesia) will be held
fairly and justly, for the sake of a new government which
represents Indonesians, to become a more democratic and just
country," Habibie said.

Hun Sen and his eight-member entourage arrived in Jakarta on
Monday. The entourage includes his wife Bun Ranny Hun Sen and
Cabinet minister Sok An. They arrived for a three-day official
visit to strengthen bilateral relations.

This is the second time Hun Sen has visited Indonesia. His
first visit came in 1994 as Cambodia's second prime minister with
first prime minister Norodom Ranaridh.

Indonesia played a major role in bringing peace to Cambodia.
In 1988 it hosted the first Jakarta Informal Meeting, bringing
together leaders of Cambodian's warring factions, including Khmer
Rouge leader Khieu Samphan.

Indonesia also cochaired the Paris Conference with France in
1991, where Cambodia's conflicting factions signed a peace
agreement. Indonesian military troops also helped secure
Cambodia's first general election.

"Indonesia is among several countries which initiated
Cambodia's admission into the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations," Minister/State Secretary Akbar Tandjung said after
accompanying the President in receiving Hun Sen.

Cambodia will officially join the association next month.

Habibie and Hun Sen will hold bilateral talks on Tuesday at
Merdeka Palace. Hun Sen will leave for Phnom Penh after visiting
Bogor Presidential Palace on Wednesday morning. (prb)