Indonesian President Mr Abdurrahman Wahid, battlingimpeachment, may still declare a state of emergency at 6 p.m. (11 a.m. Irish time) today, his chief spokesman said.
The comment stoked tension in the capital, Jakarta, where police and troops were on high alert.It also appeared to contradict the top security minister's earlier assurance the deadline had been deferred to July 31st to allow more time for a face-saving compromise.
Asked if Mr Wahid, due to make an announcement at 6 p.m., might still declare an emergency today, spokesman Mr Wimar Witoelar told Reuters Television: "Yes, it's a possibility".
Mr Wahid is threatening a state of emergency and an early election if moves to impeach him, 21 turbulent months into his five-year term, continue.