British deputy foreign minister, Derek Fatchett, has met the jailed East Timorese leader, Xanana Gusmao, inside Indonesia's top security prison. Jonathan Head in Jakarta reports.

Just a few weeks ago a meeting between a British minister and the jailed East Timorese pro-independence leader would have been impossible. The fact that Derek Fatchett has been allowed not only to meet Xanana Gusmao but also to hold a joint press conference with him shows how much has changed in Indonesia since the resignation of President Suharto last week.

Two political prisoners have already been freed and Mr Fatchett urged the new government of President Habibie to do the same for Mr Gusmao. The Indonesian authorities are promising further prisoner releases but they have so far ruled out including Xanana Gusmao, who is serving a 20 year sentence for armed rebellion.