PRESIDENT : AVOID UNNECESSARY MOBILIZATION OF MASSES

Jakarta, Dec 1 (ANTARA) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called on all parties in the country to avoid mobilization of masses in ways that could trigger disturbances to public order.

"I call on all components of the nation to preserve the present conducive situation in the security, social and political fields . Next year, we will be holding general elections and they are likely to be marked by social tensions," the president said.

President made the call mindful of the political crisis in Thailand and security situation in Mumbai, India.

In the face of the political situation in the runup to the general elections, all parties in the country should exercise self-restraint, he said.

"The general elections are the proper forum for the people to make a political choice. The exercise will be legal and accountable. Anything that could disrupt the process must be prevented. We should also avoid unnecessary mobilization of masses," the president said.

President also asked all parties in the country to learn from the incidents in Thailand.

"Because of the political tensions there, economic life in that country has been disrupted and its income from tourism reduced," Yudhoyono said.