Indonesia planning to open embassy in libya

The Indonesian government is planning to open an embassy in Libya in compliance with a request from the North African country, Indonesian foreign minister Alwi Shihab said here Wednesday.

Indonesian news agency "ANTARA" quoted the official as saying the plan had been discussed with Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri and she had agreed in principle.

"The only problem is that our budget for the opening of new embassies is very limited," Shihab said.

So far, Indonesia conducts its diplomatic relations with Libya through its embassy in Tunisia.

Asked whether opening an embassy in Libya would not draw a strong reaction from the United States, Shihab said "We are free to cultivate relations with any country. So, there will be no problem with the US if we open an embassy in Libya."