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.