Despite Likely Censure, Wahid Vows to Stay

Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid vowed to stay in office despite the near certainty that parliament will censure him next week for the second time over corruption allegations, a move that would open the door for impeachment.

Wahid called for calm as thousands of his angry supporters arrived in Jakarta, the capital, ahead of a planned mass Islamic prayer rally Sunday and the censure vote Monday.

“I am appealing for peace,” he said after attending weekly Islamic prayers in Pelabuhanratu, about 60 miles south of Jakarta. Asked by reporters if he would consider stepping down, he replied, “No. No.”