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)