GOLKAR STILL WANTS TO COALESCE WITH GOVT UNTIL 2014

Jakarta, Feb 13 (ANTARA) - The Golkar Party still wants its coalition with the government to last until the next general election in 2014 despite its disagreement with the Democrat Party over the Bank Century issue, a spokesman said.

Priyo Budi Santoso, a Golkar Party associate chairman, said here on Saturday party leader Aburizal Bakrie had met with President Bambang Susilo Yudhoyono who is also chief patron of the Democrat party.

Both figures, he said, had reached an implicit understanding that the coalition between their two parties would last until 2014 (when the next general elections take place).

In response to the suggestion of certain Democrat Party leaders to the president to reshuffle the cabinet and dismiss some ministers, especially those from the Golkar Party, Priyo said reshuffling the cabinet was the president's prerogative.

Golkar members who are currently ministers in the president's cabinet are Agung Laksono (coordinating minister for the people's welfare), MS Hidayat (industry minister) and Fadel Muhammad (marine resources and fisheries minister).

About Golkar's stance on the Bank Century bailout issue, Priyo ssid the party would be consistent with its earlier opinion.