Regional leaders acclaim Soeharto

Regional leaders acclaim Soeharto

JAKARTA (JP): Congratulatory notes on President Soeharto's
reelection poured in yesterday, with neighboring countries
expressing confidence the 76-year-old President's leadership
would help Indonesia out of its economic crisis.

Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong in a letter to the
President yesterday said that Indonesia has in the past managed
to overcome overwhelming difficulties and widespread poverty due
to Soeharto's leadership.

"I fully understand the great difficulties people in Indonesia
are now experiencing. I know the heavy responsibility you are
being entrusted with to find the way forward for your people,"
Goh said in his letter.

"May I assure you of my continued cooperation and support...
Your vigor and stamina in the face of intense pressures speaks
volumes for your resolve to overcome these problems."

Malaysian King Ja'afar Abdul Rahman and Prime Minister
Mahathir Mohamad each sent letters congratulating Soeharto.

"I believe Bapak President will continue to lead the country
and people of the Republic of Indonesia to greater progress and
prosperity and to successfully overcome the economic crisis it is
facing," the Malaysian sovereign said.

Mahathir, in a separate letter submitted to the Indonesian
government shortly after Tuesday's election, said the strong
binds between the two countries would continue.

"I believe that Indonesia and Malaysia will continue to be
resolute in facing challenges and hope the two countries will
elevate cooperation in confronting whatever issues may arise," he
said.

Indian Prime Minister I.K. Gujral similarly sent a message
expressing conviction that multifaceted and friendly ties between
Indonesia and his country would deepen and expand further in the
coming years.

Letters from Bangladesh President Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed
and Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina also congratulated Soeharto.

Ahmed asserted that the two countries share common objectives
of lasting peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

"I am confident that under your leadership, democracy and
prosperity will prevail in your beloved country," he said.

The Sri Lankan government yesterday also forwarded a
congratulatory message on Soeharto's reelection, expressing
confidence that "the warm and cordial bilateral relations between
our two countries will be further strengthened in the years
ahead". (mds)