U.S. to reopen Medan consulate

MEDAN, North Sumatra: The United States government will soon reopen its consulate general in Medan, North Sumatra, the U.S. Embassy's chief of mission Michael P. Owens told North Sumatra Governor Rizal Nurdin on Wednesday.

The U.S. closed the office in 1996 following Indonesia's financial crisis.

"Within two months the consulate general will resume its activities in Medan," North Sumatra provincial administration spokesman Amri Tambunan quoted Owens as telling the governor, as reported by Antara.

Owens cited the province's abundant natural resources and improving security situation as the main factors behind the decision to reopen the consulate. (prb)