Indonesian, Timor-Leste presidents to meet at weekend

12.06.2006

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was to meet his Timor-Leste counterpart Xanana Gusmao in Bali on Saturday, presidential spokesman said here on Monday.

Spokesman Dino Pati Djalal said that during the meeting that was requested by Gusmao, Susilo is expected to have a briefing from Gusmao about the latest situation in Timor-Leste, as Indonesia has strong attention on the development in the tiny country.

"The president (Susilo) will meet President Xanana Gusmao from Timor-Leste on June 17 in Bali," said Dino.

Dino said that Indonesia supported all efforts aimed to restore peace in the neighboring country of Timor-Leste.

"We give moral and diplomatic support to international efforts on the request of the government of Timor-Leste to help handle the security situation there," said Dino.

He said that Gusmao had asked Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Portugal to maintain the security in his country.

Over 2,000 troops from the countries have been stationed in Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste.

Indonesia has given humanitarian assistance, rather than other forms of help, to over 65,000 internally displaced persons in the country.

Indonesia closed the border with Timor-Leste in a bid to avoid the possible move which would worsen the conflict in the country.


Source: Xinhua