The Indonesian House of Representatives has called on the government to entertain United States President George W. Bush the same way it has other visiting heads of state, a local newspaper reported Tuesday.

House Speaker Agung Laksono said the government should act "proportionally" in welcoming Bush, who is scheduled to make a 10- hour visit to the country on Nov. 20.

"The welcoming should be made according to existing protocols without having to lose our vigilance," Agung was quoted by major national newspaper The Jakarta Post as saying.

He made the remarks Monday in his speech to mark the opening of the House's last sitting session for this year.

The House also urged the government to cast an "objective" view on numerous international policies issued by the superpower.

Legislator Fahri Hamzah of the Muslim-based Prosperous Justice Party said the House should take a firm stance against the visit.

"But before we decide on our rejection, we should name him a war criminal," Fahri said to cries from fellow lawmakers.

A number of legislators then proposed that the House hold a vote on the issue.

Agung brushed aside the demand and returned to his speech.

Constant Ponggawa, a representative of the Christian-based Prosperous Peace Party, interrupted Agung to support the visit.

"As a person and head of state, the U.S. President deserves a state welcome. Besides, Indonesia and the United States have a good diplomatic relationship thus far," he said.

Source: Xinhua