Indonesia denies it expects visit by Taiwan leader
( 2002-12-16 10:23 ) (1 )

The Indonesian Government issued a statement on Friday to declare that it does not expect a visit by Taiwan "president" Chen Shui-bian.

International media reports had said that Chen was to visit Indonesian city of Yogyakarta.

The government said that, having established no diplomatic relations with Taiwan, it does not expect a visit by any political figure from the island. Jakarta said it rejects any claim that a visit by Chen to Indonesia is being officially arranged.

"The government of Indonesia is fully aware that a possible visit of individuals for touristic purposes can take place at any time, as Indonesia never closes the possibilities for people-to-people contacts with Chinese Taipei. However, it should never be manipulated into the possibility of a veiled visit by high-ranking officials that can be exploited for political or diplomatic interests," said the statement.

If Chen entered Indonesia in any capacity, this would harm relations between Beijing and Jakarta and would not be in the interests of Indonesia, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said on Saturday.