Wirajuda to propose candidates for vice foreign minister soon

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda said he would soon propose the names of candidates for the post of vice foreign minister in accordance with presidential regulations No 20 and No 21/2008 on the new position.

"I will forward my proposal as soon as possible," Wirajuda said on the sidelines of a working meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR)`s Commission I (foreign and defense affairs)here on Monday.

He said he still did not know who of the echelon-I officials at the Foreign Affairs Ministry he would propose as candidates for the newly-created position.

"All echelon-I officials at the Foreign Affairs Ministry have the same competence and capability but I have yet to write down their names," Wirajuda said.

He said, as stipulated in the relevant regulations signed by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on March 10, the vice foreign minister`s post was not a political position.

Wirajuda added that since the formation of the United Indonesia Cabinet, he had actually been making provisions for the appointment of a vice foreign minister and coordinating them with the state minister for administrative reform and the president for further discussion.

"Therefore, the position of vice foreign minister has been programed since the establishment of the United Indonesia Cabinet and consulted with the state minister for administrative reforms and the president," Wirajuda said.(*) end