Golkar clarifies Kalla's separation remarks

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Thu, 10/04/2007 8:16 AM

JAKARTA: The Golkar Party said chairman and Vice President Jusuf Kalla had two options in the lead up to the 2008 elections and that he would not definitely quit his post, as per Kalla's earlier statement.

The party said Kalla's leadership coalition with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono could continue -- or he could quit the partnership to run for election.

Golkar's House chairman Priyo Budi Santoso said Wednesday the party was uncertain if Yudhoyono would want Golkar as partner for the election.

Priyo told detik.com quitting the duet would remain Kalla's last minute decision as he was committed to complete his term as vice president until October 2009.

Kalla's initial statement received a cold response from Yudhoyono's Democratic Party (PD).

""It was only part of (Kalla's) political bargaining for the 2009 presidential election,"" PD deputy chairman Ahmad Mubarok said Wednesday.

""If he (Kalla) cannot get the presidential ticket, another opportunity for vice presidency is fine for him.

""We (Democratic Party) will be just calm on (the issue).""-- JP

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