Susilo's first speech delivered at Palace

Susilo's first speech delivered at Palace

Prior to his inauguration President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono must
have expected that he would deliver his inaugural speech before
members of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and scores of
foreign leaders who attended his swearing-in ceremony.

Learning that the outgoing president Megawati Soekarnoputri
would not attend the ceremony, political factions at the Assembly
then decided that Susilo would not be allotted time to deliver an
address.

Assembly Speaker Hidayat Nur Wahid argued that Susilo was
directly elected by the people, therefore, did not have to
address members of the MPR.

Susilo finally delivered his much-anticipated speech later in
the afternoon at the State Palace before journalists from local
and foreign media, who were sitting or standing on the carpet.

"I had prepared this speech to be read after my inauguration,
according to political tradition ... But I deferred because I
honor the decision made by the People's Consultative Assembly,"
Susilo said before delivering his maiden speech.

Susilo apparently made a slight change in the draft of his
speech, as it said "my fellow countrymen", instead of "Assembly
members" and "honorary guests". -- JP