INDONESIA: JAKARTA: PRESIDENT WAHID VISITS SUHARTO 

(8 Mar 2000) Indonesian/Nat
Indonesia's reformist President Abdurrahman Wahid has paid an unprecedented visit to former leader Suharto, who is holding up a government corruption probe by claiming he is too sick to be questioned.
Looking healthy and walking unaided, the former autocrat smiled to dozens of waiting reporters before greeting Wahid with a hug in front of his mansion in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta.
President Abdurrahman Wahid arrived at Suharto's house unexpectedly on Wednesday, following the postponement of several previous visits.
Wahid was greeted by the former president at the entrance to the house and the two men warmly embraced.
Suharto looked fit and well as he waved to the waiting journalists before going inside for an hour long meeting with Wahid.
Suharto's health has been the subject of much speculation in recent months.
The Attorney General wants to question him over allegations that while in power, he misused funds belonging to several charitable foundations.
But Suharto's family have not allowed any questioning to take place.
They claim he is too sick to face legal questioning.
Following Wednesday's meeting, President Wahid explained why he had not been to see Suharto earlier.
He said the main reason for this visit was to show respect to a sick older man.
SOUNDBITE: (Bahasa Indonesian)
\"Tutut told me at that time, Suharto's health was deteriorating and she was afraid that if he became emotional he could collapse again. Because of that I decided not to go, and thought I would meet him today. So I hope you don't get the wrong perception because I am here as a younger man visiting an elder.\"
SUPER CAPTION: Abdurrahman Wahid, President of Indonesia
Wahid has repeatedly said that Suharto must be brought before the courts if evidence of wrongdoing is found.
However, he has also said he may pardon the former president if he returns the (M) millions of US dollars that went missing during his rule.
#Wahid #Suharto
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