RI is not a threat: Howard

RI is not a threat: Howard

SYDNEY (Reuters): Australian Prime Minister John Howard said on Thursday that the economic difficulties in Indonesia did not represent an immediate concern for Australia.

"I don't think there is any cause at all for any direct immediate concern as far as the Australian economy is concerned," Howard told reporters when asked about economic difficulties in Indonesia.

Howard, who spoke to Indonesia President Soeharto on Sunday, said he was pleased that the Southeast Asian nation appeared to be responding to the IMF package.

He said he had urged Soeharto to act in a way that gave a clear signal that the Indonesian government would take the corrective measures necessary to strengthen international perceptions about the economy.

"There are some very encouraging signs that is now happening and I welcome that," Howard said.