''If we keep meddling with this matter we will not have time to take care of other problems because we will continue to be harassed. More terror will keep coming,'' Mahfud said in an interview with a news agency.

His comments came after some officials' statements that Suharto-backers might be behind recent bomb blasts in Jakarta. Suharto's son, Hutomo (Tommy) Mandala Putra is highly suspected of being behind the bombing of the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) and is being sought by the police investigating the explosion in Jakarta.

Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid said today there was plenty of evidence connecting the youngest son of former president Suharto to the event.

''There is so much evidence,'' he said when asked by reporters if there was proof.

Meanwhile, Mahfud suggested that the government seek reconciliation outside the court in the Suharto graft case.

''One alternative is to give [Suharto] a kind of amnesty," he said.

Student movements instrumental in the fall of Suharto three years ago, are said to be irritated with the constant postponing of the case and the absence of the ailing ex-President in the courts.

In addition, there have been almost daily demonstrations against the Suharto trial by supporters of the fallen dictator whose family has been accused by the reformist for having dilapidated the resources of the fragile nation.

The Indonesian government seems not to be in a position of strength when it comes to Suharto and his family, whom have the support of several conglomerates in the country.

The Minister of Defense said that these conglomerates that took advantage of Suharto's government, as well as Suharto's cronies who possess extreme wealth, may have funded the bombings.

Mahfud also said some government officials and elements within the military, opposed Suharto's trial.

''I myself suspect that inside the security forces, inside the law enforcement agency, inside the government bureaucracy, there are still many who are not willing to see Suharto be tried,'' Mahfud said.

	Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Meets Muslim Americans
	Clinton Praises Indian Nuclear Restraint At Talks With Vajpayee
	The Real Cost Of Gun Violence
	U.S. And Iranian Foreign Ministers To Meet At U.N.
	Israel Says Arrow Missiles Score Another Successful Test
	Islamic Hijab Poses Problem In Egypt
	Clinton Administration Grants $4 Million To Iraqi Opposition
	Deputy Minister Says South Africa Not The Same As Algeria
	Oil Prices Move Up Despite OPEC Promise Of "Further Action"

Top News