RI conveys condolences to Japan

RI conveys condolences to Japan

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto, both in his personal capacity and on behalf of the Indonesian nation, has conveyed his condolences to the government and people of Japan following Tuesday's devastating earthquake.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday stated that "the government of the Republic of Indonesia expresses its deepest concern and sympathy," while Foreign Minister Ali Alatas also conveyed his condolences to his Japanese counterpart, Yohei Kono.

The foreign ministry noted that as of yesterday afternoon none of about 1,000 Indonesian citizens living in the quake area had been listed as casualties.

The foreign ministry's Director of Information, Irawan Abidin, yesterday confirmed reports that the staff and family of the Indonesian Consulate General in Kobe were all safe.

"In fact our consular building is still standing," he said, adding that the foreign ministry through the consulate and embassy in Tokyo would continue to monitor the fate of the Indonesians there, most of whom are students. (mds)