Warring PKB factions want to reconcile

Warring PKB factions want to reconcile

SEMARANG, Central Java: The two warring factions of the National Awakening Party (PKB), one led by Alwi Shihab and the other by Matori Abdul Djalil, have expressed willingness to reconcile and end their prolonged dispute, an official of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Muslim organization said here on Friday.

"NU expects Abdurrahman 'Gus Dur' Wahid not to side with either of the two factions as both sides have expressed willingness to reconcile," Andi Jamaro, NU deputy chairman, said.

Jamaro was referring to the PKB patron and former president, who backs the Alwi Shihab-led PKB.

Jamaro said should the leadership dispute in PKB continue, the party's supporters would turn to other political parties in next year's general elections.

NU was responsible for the formation of PKB months prior to the 1999 general elections. The party split into two camps in the last days of Abdurrahman's presidency in July 2001.--Antara