President to decide Dili visit

President to decide Dili visit

JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri will soon decide
whether or not she would attend the induction of Xanana Gusmao as
the first president of East Timor on May 20, Vice President
Hamzah Haz said Sunday.

"Next week the decision will be made because the official
announcement of the result of East Timor's presidential election
will be made today," he told the press after attending the
commemoration of the United Development Party's 29st anniversary
here.

The head of state was still considering whether or not to
attend the ceremony in Dili, Hamzah said.

On May 20, the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor
(UNTAET) will officially end its mission and return its
administrative duties and responsibilities to East Timor's new
government.

Asked to comment on the House of Representatives' objection
to Megawati's presence in Dili, Hamzah said it would be taken
into consideration by the government.

Former guerrilla leader Xanana won the presidential election
last Sunday with more than 80 percent of votes. -- Antara