Yudhoyono in Bali to meet Timor Leste's Xanana Gusmao

18 June 2006, 00:06:09 (1443 clicks)

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono arrived here past noon on Saturday to open the 28th Balinese Art Festival and meet his Timor Leste counterpart, President Xanana Gusmao.

At his meeting with Xanana scheduled to take place at 8 pm local time, Yudhoyono would among other things be briefed on the latest situation in dili, capital of Timor Leste, which was recently wracked by public unrest.

The unrest, marked bay armed clashed and riots, was triggered by the sacking of almost 600 servicemen accused of desertion.

Because of the deteriorating security situation Indonesia was forced to evacuate hundreds of its citizens from the neighbouring country.

The Timor Leste government eventually asked Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia to send peacekeeping troops to help it overcome the crisis. Indonesia was requested to provide humanitarian aid for thousands of refugees.

In response, Indonesia airlifted US $ 700,000 worth of relief aid consisting of food and other basic necessities to Dili.

The President, First Lady any Yudhoyono and Tourism and Arts Minister Jero Wacik will be here up to Sunday afternoon.

From Bali the president and his entourage will proceed to Manado, capital of North Sulawesi, among others to attend the opening of the Indonesian Economists Association.

Bali Villas - www.balivillareservation.com - The Best Online Reservation for Bali Luxury & Private Villas