Peru FM makes brief visit to Indonesia

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

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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