President: stop all kinds of polemics on Soeharto`s legal status

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at his residence in Cikeas, Bogor, on Saturday, called on all elements of the nation to stop polemics on the legal status of former President Soeharto who is currently ill and being treated in hospital.

"Let`s stop the polemics, debate, issuing controversial opinions at the present time," the head of state said at a press conference at his residence.

With regard to the civil lawsuit against Soeharto, Yudhoyono admitted that the latest development indicated there had been a public debate which eventually triggered pros and cons in many forms.

"Actually I remain seeing the time to raise this not something proper under the present condition of Soeharto who is suffering a serious illness," he said.

The president denied the comments depicting moments wheres it was the government`s initiative to settle the civil case of former President Soeharto.

The government opined that the issue was not a priority in the past few days. The head of state reaffirmed there was a great intention of the government to pursue it properly.

"However the government wants the proper moment to settle the civil case in a good manner through legal mechanism," he said, adding that the best way to settle the case should be found.

The president called on the people of Indonesia to pray for former President Soeharto and to stop making unwise statements.

It was said that Soeharto as the leader should have made an achievement in national development of this country.

It was admitted that Soeharto had some shortcomings and made mistakes. But it would not hamper us from extending great thanks and appreciation of his merit and dedication to the state, Susilo said.

Earlier, the president had a meeting with some cabinet ministers upon his return from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Saturday.