TRADE MINISTER RESIGNS FOR FOCUSSING ON PRESIDENTIAL CONVENTION

By Andi Abdussalam

Jakarta, Jan 31 (Antara) - Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan announced his resignation from the ministerial post, a step that he believes will let him focus and concentrate all his efforts as a participant in the Democratic Party's presidential convention.          "I announce my resignation as trade minister, today. I want to thank my family and friends for their support so far," Gita stated at a press conference in Jakarta, on Friday.          Gita explained that he had taken the decision to resign as minister in order to focus all his efforts towards his participation in the ongoing convention organized to choose a presidential candidate for the ruling Democratic Party for the upcoming July presidential election.          Gita Wirjawan is one of the 11 participants in the presidential convention along with State-owned Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan, Chairman of the House of Representatives Marzuki Alie, and former Indonesian ambassador to the United States Dino Patti Djalal.          Offering an explanation for his decision, Gita stated he was fully aware of the fact that a major conflict of interest could have occurred, if he still held the ministerial post and directed all his focus towards the presidential convention.          He hoped that his decision to resign was the best step for Indonesia and for his endeavor to become a presidential candidate in Indonesia's current democratic and political developments.          "I have sought permission and tendered my resignation to the President and have obtained his consent," Gita claimed.