Gusmao in historic meeting with Megawati

JAKARTA - East Timor's President-elect, Xanana Gusmao, met the leader of old foe Indonesia yesterday and said he had invited President Megawati Sukarnoputri to the territory's independence celebrations this month.

"I came here to invite her personally on behalf of East Timor," said Gusmao, after meeting Megawati for about 30 minutes at her residence in Jakarta.

Whether Megawati attends the celebrations or not, the meeting was probably a step towards better relations between East Timor and the country that ruled it - at times with an iron fist - for 24 years.

Her attendance at the independence celebration on May 20 is opposed by many Indonesian politicians and pro-military analysts.

But so far the Government has indicated that she is more likely to go than not, and it is putting a priority on making a good start to diplomatic ties with what will be the first country to gain independence in the new millennium.

Gusmao's visit this week was welcomed by Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda

"All Indonesians should express our big heart by welcoming his helping hands and jointly building a good relationship between the two countries," he said.

- REUTERS

Feature: Indonesia and East Timor

CIA World Factbook: Indonesia (with map)

Dept. of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia

Antara news agency

Indonesian Observer

The Jakarta Post

UN Transitional Administration in E Timor

East Timor Action Network