Jakarta - President B.J. Habibie of Indonesia has issued a decree freeing 16 political prisoners, including 15 East Timorese. But there was no mention of the release of Jakarta's most prominent East Timorese prisoner, the rebel leader, Xanana Gusmao.
A worldwide clamour has been growing for Mr Gusmao to be included in the releases. The Foreign Minister, Mr Ali Alatas, said earlier this week the government was prepared to consider his release, but only in the context of a settlement of the East Timor problem.
