PRESIDENT YUDHOYONO BEGINS WORKING VISIT TO AMBON

Ambon, Indonesia, Nov 24 (ANTARA) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono began on Tuesday a three-day working visit in Ambon, Maluku province, where he is to attend World Peace Day anniversary celebrations.

The president, accompanied by Mrs Ani Yudhoyono, arrived at Pattimura airport here at 2.30 pm Eastern Indonesian Time on Tuesday and was driven straight to the Maluku governor's official residence where the head of state would stay during his visit to the province.

On Tuesday night, the president will receive local traditional leader's title: "Upu Latu Ratmaran Siwalima". The function which would be attended by Maluku Governor Karel Albert Ralahulu will be held at "Siwa Lima" hall here.

On Wednesday, he will attend the celebration of the World Peace Day at the 'Taman Pelita' square. The peak of the function will be marked with the head of state striking a gong of peace which was made by an artist from Jepara, Central Java.

Ambon was appointed by the United Nations as the 34th World Peace Site, after a social conflict broke out in the city in 1999.

Ambon has been selected to host the World Peace Day celebration to show the world that the situation in Ambon had now become peaceful and secured.***