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.