Megawati urged to visit E. Timor

Megawati urged to visit E. Timor

EAST TIMOR: East Timor's elected president Xanana Gusmao said
on Saturday he was determined to invite President Megawati
Soekarnoputri to attend the independence celebrations of the
former Indonesian province.

Speaking during a stopover in Bali on his way to Europe,
Xanana said Megawati's presence was crucial in order to lay a
solid foundation for bilateral ties.

"We hope she can attend the independence declaration of Timor
Lorosae on May 20," said Xanana, as quoted by Antara news agency.

However, Xanana conceded that due to the heavy schedule in the
coming weeks he was uncertain whether he could personally convey
the invitation or send a special representative to Megawati.

He added that Megawati's presence would send a clear message
to the international community that both countries had buried old
wounds and were eager to look to the future. -- JP