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)