U.S. Ambassador regrets IBRA 'misunderstanding'
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)