U.S. urges RI to solve crisis peacefully

U.S. urges RI to solve crisis peacefully

WASHINGTON (Agencies): The United States said on Thursday it
would back Indonesia if it solved peacefully the political crisis
that threatens to end Abdurrahman Wahid's 19-month presidency.

"The United States hopes to see Indonesia achieve a timely
resolution of the political crisis taking place there, ideally in
a way that promotes reconciliation and effective governance,"
State Department spokesman Philip Reeker told a news briefing.

"Whatever the outcome, we are prepared to support any
resolution that can be achieved through peaceful and
constitutional means," he said, adding that Washington had been
watching developments in Indonesia closely.

"It's difficult, I think, to exaggerate the importance for
Indonesia's future of avoiding violence or incitement to
violence, as they try to resolve the conflict."

Many fear that the current political crisis could plunge
Indonesia into bloodshed.

Meanwhile in Jakarta, Indonesian Foreign Minister Alwi Shihab
claimed that the international community wished to see a peaceful
compromise in the political impasse.

"By reaching a political compromise we've reached a peaceful
solution. No one wins, no one losses," said Alwi who is known as
a close confidante of the President.

He added that the international community was not concerned
with the political technicalities.

"What's important is that the democratization process is not
held up ... If it were then that could create new issues
(problems)."

Alwi further brushed aside suggestions that there might be
political interference from foreign powers, particularly the
United States.

"The United States is neutral and only wishes to see that the
democratization process can proceed," he added.