Thirteen isn't unlucky

Thirteen is not an unlucky number in Indonesia, least not for the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting.

Philippine President Fidel Ramos did not object when his limousine and other vehicles which are part of his convoy were assigned the plate number AELM 13. The number has been assigned according in alphabetical order. AELM 1 is for Australia and AELM 17 is for the United States. Soeharto did not get one.

The APEC leaders were also each assigned a luxury Mercedes Benz limousines for their convenience during their stay in Jakarta.

But unlike the batik silk shirts they were given out, which they could take home, the limos stay in Indonesia. (emb)