ACTIVITIES OF SECRETARY-GENERAL IN INDONESIA, 17-18 MAY

Secretary-General Kofi Annan arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia, in the morning of Friday, 17 May, and met later in the day with Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri.

The President informed the Secretary-General that she would go to East Timor to attend the Independence Celebration on 20 May, which the Secretary-General, in comments to the press afterward, welcomed as a “conciliatory, wise and courageous decision”.

The President and the Secretary-General exchanged views on the Middle East, and the Secretary-General reiterated his views that the situation needed a comprehensive approach.  He also explained his reasons for disbanding the fact-finding team to Jenin.

They also discussed the upcoming meeting, to take place in Bali from 27 May to 7 June, of the Preparatory Committee of the World Summit on Sustainable Development.

In his comments to the press, the Secretary-General applauded President Megawati’s “efforts in this difficult period of transition, and the competence with which she has managed in the reform process”.

Speaking on the Middle East, he said they had both agreed that there is no military solution, and that they both looked forward to “a conference that will help in our search for a final settlement of this long drawn-out problem”.

Earlier that day, the Secretary-General had attended a luncheon hosted by the President in his honour.

On Saturday morning, the Secretary-General wrapped up his official programme in Indonesia by meeting with Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda in Jakarta.  At a press encounter later he thanked the Foreign Minister and the people of Indonesia for their cooperation in dealing with East Timor, saying that he looks forward to a “very strong relationship” between Indonesia and East Timor. 

The Secretary-General departed Indonesia early on Saturday afternoon.