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.