Show greater statesmanship!

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