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Prabowo downplays politics at bombing prayer service

Source
Jakarta Globe - July 20, 2009

Marcus J Sihaloho – Former Vice Presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto brushed off questions about his political rivalry with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as he visited the site of twin hotel bombings in Jakarta on Monday.

In a speech shortly after the attacks on Friday, Yudhoyono said the bombings at The J.W Marriott and The Ritz Carlton might be related to the recent presidential election. Prabowo's running mate, former president Megawati Sukarnoputri, responded sharply, asking the president not to "exploit this tragedy for political reasons."

But Prabowo struck a milder note on Monday. "Let us try to think positively," he said after an interfaith prayer meeting at the Belaggio Mall, near the damaged hotels. "I know you reporters love controversy, but please, let's just keep the positive thinking."

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