Megawati's U.S. visit

Megawati's U.S. visit

Up until yesterday (Thursday), President Bush stuck to his
agenda. The American embassy in Jakarta has made it known that
President Megawati's visit would go ahead as planned, including
her meeting with the U.S. president on Sept.19. True, this is a
confirmation that came from the host. However, doesn't diplomacy
have its own language?

The U.S. government would never cancel an invitation once it
has been extended. This is a phenomenon that must be viewed as an
aspect of the psychology of power, as a representation of
America's feeling of self-respect -- a feeling that has been torn
into tatters by terrorists.

For that reason, we must use our Eastern philosophy. It's not
right to keep smiling while others are mourning their dead. From
this perspective we would suggest that President Megawati delay
her visit to America and allow President Bush to finish his home
work. Moreover, mountains of homework are waiting at home for Ibu
Mega to complete.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta