U.S. ambassador holds RI talks in Washington

U.S. ambassador holds RI talks in Washington

WASHINGTON (Agencies): United States Ambassador to Indonesia
Robert Gelbard, who has been embroiled in a war of words with
senior Indonesian government officials, is having consultations
with his superiors in Washington, officials said on Thursday.

Gelbard returned home on a previously arranged family visit
last week, in the midst of a growing bitter atmosphere in which
his presence had become increasingly unwelcome in Jakarta.

"As on normal visits to Washington, Ambassador Gelbard will
meet with officials of the department and with other agencies,"
said State Department spokesman Richard Boucher.

The ambassador was due to hold talks with senior departmental
officials, but it was not clear if he would see Secretary of
State Madeleine Albright.

Boucher said the consultations would focus on American
interests in Indonesia.

He defined those interests as a strong interest in
democratization and stability in Indonesia, along with the
country's strategically vital sea lanes and American businesses
there.

"We have, obviously, a very strong interest in the health,
safety and welfare of U.S. citizens who either reside there or
may be visiting there," Boucher said.

Gelbard's visit to Washington came days after the embassy in
Jakarta was reopened after a two-week closure due to an alleged
security threat.

Indonesian officials were also unhappy over the manner in
which Gelbard made public his views on developments in the
country, accusing him of meddling in domestic affairs.

Legislators have also called on the government to declare the
American envoy persona non grata. The government has turned down
the request.

Several observers have pointed out that with the U.S.
presidential election, it is likely that Gelbard may be recalled
as ambassador to Jakarta.