VP to visit Irian Jaya

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Acting Governor Musiran Darmosuwito announced on Monday that Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri was due to arrive in the provincial capital for a five-day visit on Thursday.

He said Megawati would visit all regencies in the province except for Puncak regency, which is deep in the provincial hinterland.

Musiran, who is a former deputy governor of East Timor, said the vice president would visit several Community Health Centers (Puskesmas), hospitals, schools and hold talks with local people.

"This is a social visit, with no political intention at all," he added, referring to the increased calls for independence in the province. (eba/dja)