Jakarta – The third-largest faction in Indonesia's national assembly yesterday did an about-face and called on President Abdurrahman Wahid to consider resigning if this would help to solve the country's political stalemate.

The Regional Representatives faction, one of the principal groups that propelled the President to power, said it hoped he would consider its proposals, given the 'weakening trust of the people in the government'.

Faction leaders handed a statement to the President for him to study. It included a suggestion that he resign 'if this could improve the situation'. It said that, among those calling for him to resign, were several friends who were only trying to find an honourable way for his exit.