Peru FM makes brief visit to Indonesia

JAKARTA: Peruvian foreign minister Allan Wagner Tizon made a brief visit to Indonesia on Friday to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.

During the meeting with his Indonesian counterpart Hassan Wirayuda, the two ministers signed three agreements on the establishment of a regular consultation forum, a visa-free policy for diplomats and state officials and an exchange program for diplomats.

"We also discussed trade and investment issues, because we believe that we can increase our economic ties," Hassan said after the meeting.

Trade volume between two countries is estimated at around US$62 million per year.

Tizon also paid a courtesy call on President Megawati Soekarnoputri before flying back to Lima later on Friday.--JP

;JP;DJA; ANPAa..r.. Scene-PDIP-congress Taufik answer PDI Perjuangan special congress idea JP/4/SCENE

PDI-P special congress unlikely

JAKARTA: First Gentlemen Taufik Kiemas dismissed on Friday demands to hold a special congress of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan).

"Differences of opinion are common within the party, but are not a threat to the party," said Taufik, who is a senior member of the party.

There has been conflict within PDI Perjuangan over the issue of Megawati Soekarnoputri juggling her duties as party chairwoman and the country's president. Several party members have urged for a special congress to replace Megawati to allow her to focus on her state job.

Taufik refused to comment on the issue, but admitted the party needed to improve its image and concentrate more on how to lure voters in the 2004 elections.

"The party's leaders must give more attention to its constituents if they want PDI Perjuangan to win the upcoming elections," he said.--JP