Show greater statesmanship!

If U.S. Ambassador Robert Gelbard was genuine when he claimed in The Washington Post that the worsening relationship between the U.S. and Indonesia was the work of President Abdurrahman Wahid's opponents, he should be doing everything possible to thwart further deterioration. Unless, of course, he wants the President's opponents to succeed.

There are many steps he could take. He could reopen the U.S. embassy in Jakarta, rather than peevishly closing it because of a rather enigmatic "credible threat". He could return to his post rather than sulkingly leaving it for undefined "personal reasons". He could also communicate more closely with Indonesian ministers in a manner that demonstrates a respect for the culture here.

In the interests of American-Indonesian relations, it is time America recognized the changed political atmosphere in this country and demonstrated greater statesmanship and maturity.

FRANK RICHARDSON

Jakarta