Annan hopes Indonesian political process continues peacefully

Secretary-General Kofi Annan today expressed hope that the political process in Indonesia would remain peaceful after President Abdurrahman Wahid was removed from office and his Vice President, Megawati Sukarnoputri, sworn-in as the country's next leader.

"What is important is that the democratic process is being followed," Mr. Annan said to reporters as he entered the United Nations Headquarters in New York. "I hope that the kind of change taking place will remain peaceful, that it will be democratic and the nation will come together to get themselves out of this difficulty."

The Secretary-General also wished Ms. Megawati and the country every success. "Indonesia is an important nation for the region and the world," he said.