Special session, not state of emergency

JAKARTA (JP): The following is a chronology of the events that shaped the political scene on Friday and lead to an evening announcement from the People's Consultative Assembly to convene a plenary session on Saturday.

At 9 a.m. at the State Palace, President Abdurrahman Wahid swore in Marsillam Simanjuntak as attorney general, to replace the late Baharuddin Lopa, and outgoing Minister of Defense Mahfud M.D. as minister of justice and human rights, to replace Marsillam.

At the ceremony, the President talked about his determination to eradicate corruption.

At about the same time, the House of Representatives held its plenary session to start its 25 day-recess which will last until Aug. 15.

Speaking to reporters after the session, House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung warned the President that the People's Consultative Assembly, the highest legislative body in the country, would accelerate the special session, which will require him to submit his report of accountability.

At 12. p.m., the President entered Baiturrahim Mosque in the palace compound for Friday prayers and to hold a public dialog.

The President lambasted the media for what he called their shameless manipulations of his remarks. The visitors booed him when he continued blaming the media.

The President warned the Assembly to stop its plan to impeach him. He threatened to impose a state of emergency at 6 p.m., at which point he would dissolve the House and the Assembly.

At 2 p.m., the President received a telephone call from Akbar who warned him not to swear in Chaeruddin as new National Police chief unless he was ready for a snap special session of the Assembly.

At 5:30 p.m., the President installed Chaeruddin as National Police chief caretaker. He insisted that Akbar fully supported his decision.

At 6 p.m., the President held a five-minute media conference. He said he would delay the state of emergency until July 31 at 6 p.m. He refused to answer any questions from journalists.

At 8:30 p.m., the Assembly held a leadership meeting. Assembly Speaker Amien Rais said at least eight factions had agreed to hold the Assembly's plenary session on Saturday, which will likely be followed by the special session.

Chaeruddin's promotion has triggered the acceleration of the special session, Amien contended.

Amien said the President would likely be required to deliver his accountability report to the Assembly on Monday. (rms/prb)