KARUNA SHINSHO, CNN ANCHOR: Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid is getting a diplomatic boost abroad, even as his political future becomes more uncertain at home. The country's largest political party is demanding the president account for his 20 months in office before an impeachment hearing in August. Mr. Wahid is currently in Australia, seeking to mend relations between Jakarta and Canberra. Glenn Milne reports.</s>GLENN MILNE, CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Given the country's recent history, it was a sight some predicted would never happen: an Indonesian leader calling on Australian prime minister in Canberra. But the warmth of John Howard's welcome to President Wahid was obvious. On the agenda for the leaders' talks: strains caused by Australia's leading role in peacekeeping duties in East Timor. They emerged to declare those tensions over.</s>JOHN HOWARD, AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER: I am confident that we can overcome the difficulties of yesterday, and move forward, with a renewed sense of mutual understanding and respect.</s>MILNE: The determination to move on was backed by the opposition.</s>HOWARD: I believe that we must look beyond the here and now of the relationship and look to a time when Australia and Indonesia can work together as partners.</s>MILNE: Initially, it was difficult to read President Wahid's reaction to Mr. Howard's speech, but when he took to stage, it was to send the same message.</s>ABDURRAHMAN WAHID, INDONESIAN PRESIDENT: As neighbors, we shall become close to each other. From now on, I hope that the things will go smoother for Australia and Indonesia.</s>MILNE (on camera): Although there was no breakthrough on Australia's demand for a quick prosecution of Indonesian military involved in atrocities in East Timor, the new closeness in the relationship was underlined by a commitment from both leaders for more regular bilateral visits.</s>MILNE: Late this of afternoon, President Wahid arrived in Sydney, where he'll hold talks with Premier Bob Carr (ph). In Canberra, Glenn Milne, 7 News.
Indonesian and Australian Tensions Apparently on the Mend