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