We support Indon unity: PM
From AAP
06feb02
PRIME Minister John Howard has met Indonesian president Megawati Sukarnoputri and restated Australia's support for Indonesia's unity following claims Canberra wanted independence for Papua province.
Mr Howard held one hour of talks with Mrs Megawati at the presidential palace amid protests from the parliament over his visit.
"Australia supports the maintenance of the unity of the Indonesian nation, it's a very significant part of the bilateral relationship," Mr Howard told reporters at a joint press conference after the meeting.
National Assembly speaker Amien Rais had earlier claimed that Canberra supported independence for the provence of Papua, though he later admitted there may be some misunderstanding over the issue.
Mrs Megawati said she was happy Mr Howard could make the visit and said she had congratulated him on his election victory.
The Indonesian leader refused to take calls from Mr Howard last year after Mr Howard turned back a boatload of asylum seekers rescued from an Indonesian ferry by the Norwegian freighter, the Tampa.
Both leaders said they wanted bilateral relationships to continue on a more realistic footing.
"We are convinced that the relationship between Australia and Indonesia should be more realistic and rational in the future," Mrs Megawati said.
The Prime Minister agreed, saying there were areas upon which the "near neighbours" would agree more readily than others.
Mr Howard said that on the issue of people smuggling, although there were bilateral issues between Australia and Indonesia, the problem would be tackled on a regional basis.
Mrs Megawati did not mention the issue.
Mr Howard announced Australia would donate five small "police runaround" craft to help Indonesian agencies tackle the problem.
Mr Howard also announced that Indonesia had proposed the two countries sign a memorandum of understanding to counter terrorism which could be signed before he left Indonesia on Friday if agreement could be reached on its content.