President Habibie ready for accountability speech

President Habibie ready for accountability speech

JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie said on Monday he was
confident and fully prepared to deliver his accountability speech
to the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) on Oct.14.

The President claimed that he already finished the report
which outlines what he achieved during his one year as President.

"It is not a problem," he remarked.

"I've been prepared, there is no problem at all," he
confidently remarked during an impromptu meeting with
journalists.

In a meeting with senior editors on Friday, the President
hinted he would be able to defend and account for his presidency,
including high profile issues such as East Timor, the Bank Bali
scandal and alleged practices of corruption, collusion and
nepotism by former president Soeharto.

The three issues are widely held to be the most sensitive
aspects Habibie has to negotiate through his accountability
address.

Habibie said on Monday he was pleased at the election process
of the Assembly chairman, which was won by Amien Rais, adding
that he was not surprised at Amien's victory.

"I am very grateful because our democracy ran well," said
Habibie.

The media's tete-a-tete with the President occurred by chance
as journalists were waiting at Merdeka Palace to talk to Minister
of Justice/State Secretary Muladi.

Habibie, never known to shy away from a conversation or the
media, greeted journalists despite an overzealous adjutant and
Palace photographer who tried to push journalists away from the
President.

"No, let them talk to me," Habibie barked at them.

Habibie also ignored attempts by the part-time photographer
who tried to signal the President not to answer any more
questions. (prb)