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)