Indonesia hail Abbas, urges peace

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The Indonesian government formally congratulated Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday, the new president of Palestinian Authority and called for greater interaction between the two countries.

"The Government of Indonesia believes that the new Palestinian leadership and administration under H.E. Mahmoud Abbas will do their utmost to fulfill the hope and expectation of the Palestinians for a sovereign and democratic state," the Indonesian foreign affairs ministry said in a statement.

Indonesia also reiterated its support for a Palestine state "based upon the vision of two states -- Palestine and Israel -- living side by side within secure and internationally recognized borders."

Indonesia, with the world's largest population of Muslims, urged all parties concerned to revive the Middle East peace process and stated that the "road map" -- initiated by the United States, European Union, Russia and the United Nations -- should be implemented in a consistent manner.