(1 Feb 2001) Voice and effects
VOICED BY: Louise Bates
XFA
The Indonesian parliament has decided to censure the country's president - a move which could lead to lengthy impeachment proceedings over his alleged involvement in two corruption scandals.
The decision was announced on national television on Thursday after hours of late night negotiations among party leaders.
It could trigger a drawn out political crisis for the world's fourth most populous nation as President Abdurrahman Wahid has refused to acknowledge the power of the legislature to question him and has also refused to quit.
VOICE-OVER:
0003 The Indonesian parliament met to decide whether to accept the findings of an inquiry implicating President Abdurrahman Wahid in two corruption scandals.
0012 The parliament voted by 393 votes to four to accept the findings, raising fears of a constitutional crisis in a nation that's long been wracked by political violence.
0023 Forty-three deputies from Wahid's National Awakening Party walked out as the vote was being taken.
0029 Some lawmakers demanded that the president resign, although there was no immediate response from Wahid.
0035 In the past, he has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and maintains that he isn't accountable to parliament.
0042 Later on Thursday, the parliament decided to censure Wahid - a move which could lead to lengthy impeachment proceedings.
0049 Most want him to explain his actions in relation to the two corruption scandals, while others simply want him to go.
0057 SOUNDBITE: (English)
"If I were in his shoes that's the most peaceful exit method I would take."
SUPER CAPTION: Alvin Lie, Deputy Head of the Special Committee that wrote the report
0107 Thousands of protesters, most calling for Wahid to quit, rallied outside parliament but dispersed peacefully when heavy rain fell before the vote was taken.
0116 Aides say Wahid is determined to fight on, but with such an overwhelming defeat in parliament that could prove difficult.
Find out more about AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
You can license this story through AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
