KOIZUMI'S 'SOCCER SQUAD': While lining up for photographers, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (center, photo above) realized he was blocking those in the second row. So the prime minister squatted down, prompting others in the front row to follow suit, giving the impression of a soccer squad, albeit with 16 dignitaries.

The 16 officials, including Koizumi, are signatories to the Asian-African Business Forum Joint Declaration. Among the dignitaries in the front row during the photo session on Friday in Jakarta were Indonesian Coordinating Minister for the Economy Aburizal Bakrie (left, squatting), Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) chairman Mohamad S. Hidayat (right, with hands on knees) and Kadin vice chairman John A. Prasetyo (not seen in photo).

Koizumi's impromptu gesture drew a standing ovation from some 600 business leaders from Asia and Africa.

"This gesture shows that Koizumi is very relaxed in dealing with leaders from the private sector. He knows how to entertain business leaders who are excited to meet him," Hidayat told The Jakarta Post.

"Needless to say, he is a real politician," he said. --JP