No Political Compromise Till Now: Indonesian PresidentIndonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid Friday evening acknowledged that no political compromise was reached until now."Until now, we have not reached any political compromise to solve the long-dragging political problems," the president said in a brief statement at the state palace. "We have to be ready to implement the state of emergency at July 31 at 18:00 p.m. (local time) if there is no compromise," he said. The president had earlier repeatedly threatened to call a state of emergency on Friday at 18:00 p.m., but then back-tracked saying it would only become effective on July 31. Presidential spokesman Wimar Witoelar said that the president believed the country was "in danger of a constitutional crisis," as he should not be forced to account for his rule until the end of his term in 2002. "If the constitutional crisis becomes a constitutional emergency, then on July 31 he might have to announce more stringent measures. He hopes that an agreement could be reached before July 31," Wimar added. If president declares a state of emergency, it would give him the power to dissolve parliament and call snap elections. President Wahid is facing impeachment proceedings on August 1 when the country's highest law-making body convenes a special session which will seek his accountability for his 20-month-old government's poor performance. |
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