'Wiranto has no role in coup plot'

By P. S. Suryanarayana

SINGAPORE, MARCH 20. The Indonesian President, Mr. Abdurrahman Wahid, today said in Jakarta the controversial former military chief, Gen. Wiranto, had no links with a serving regional Army commander who was suspected to be plotting to overthrow the civilian administration.

Mr. Wahid, however, again declined to name the rebellious commander. But he said the officer could still be persuaded to mend his ways.

Meanwhile, the Defence Minister, Mr. Juwono Sudarsono, said there were no tensions, despite some differences in approach, between the Government and the Army in regard to the continuing separatist crisis in Aceh province. The Government also clarified that no major military crackdown had been launched against the anti-Jakarta militants there.

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Section  : International
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