Text: President Clinton on Indonesia Election
(President congratulates Abdurrahman Wahid)

Following is the text of President Clinton's statement congratulating Abdurrahman Wahid on his election as President of Indonesia:

(begin text)

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary

October 20, 1999

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

I congratulate Abdurrahman Wahid on his election as President of Indonesia. He and the people of Indonesia deserve enormous credit for the democratic process that led to this peaceful change in government. This election, conducted fairly and transparently, has been a true triumph of democracy.

Indonesia still faces many challenges -- achieving national reconciliation, consolidating economic recovery, and building institutions accountable to its people. With a democratically elected leadership, I am optimistic that real progress will be made toward all these goals.

I look forward to working closely with the new President and his government.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State)

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