U.S. Ambassador regrets IBRA 'misunderstanding'

JAKARTA (JP): After meeting with Amien Rais here on Thursday United States Ambassador Robert S. Gelbard said there had been a misunderstanding over his suggestion to keep certain officials at the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA).

"I certainly regret that there has been any misunderstanding and I am grateful that we had this opportunity to discuss the issues", Gelbard told reporters after meeting with Amien, the Peoples Consultative Assembly speaker.

"The United States has a long commitment to support this new democratic government and to see it succeed", he added.

Gelbard clarified further that Washington wants to see Indonesia succeed in three principle ways. First, to ensure the territorial integrity of Indonesia; second, to assure the success of the democratic process and development of strong democratic institutions and third, to see the further recovery of the economy and the development of a strong market economy so the Indonesian people can regain their prosperity.

He said he came to see Amien Rais at his office on his own accord to clear up the misunderstanding.

Amien and Minister of Finance Bambang Sudibyo launched a furious tirade over what they perceived as foreign intervention by the ambassador who suggested the government keep Glenn Yusuf in his post as IBRA chairman.

After Thursday's discussion with Gelbard, Amien said he was willing to close the matter once and for all.

"He told me that there is not the slightest intention to interfere in our domestic affairs," Amien remarked.

Amien said any suggestions made by the ambassador were made "as an economist who is very interested in seeing the success of our country".

Speaking to journalists, Amien nevertheless insisted that Gelbard was out of line and had told him not to make any more comments which could cause further misunderstandings.

"I personally apologized as well if my reaction was too strong," he said.

Robert S. Gelbard was appointed last month as U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia, replacing J. Stapleton Roy. (02)