Soeharto to talk to poor kids

KUPANG, E. Nusa Tenggara: Thirteen children from poor local families have been selected to meet President Soeharto in Jakarta on July 23 on National Children's Day.

Abdul Kadir Makarim, who head's the children's selection committee, said yesterday that the 13 children were chosen from each of 13 regencies in East Nusa Tenggara.

"We have a strict criteria that the children should be from poorer families and that they have never been to Jakarta," Makarim was quoted by Antara as saying.

The 13 children would leave Kupang on July 13 for the ancient city of Yogyakarta to visit its famous palaces and other cultural attractions, Makarim said.

They will join other children from all over the country on July 23 to meet President Soeharto in Jakarta. (aan)