Indonesia's stance on Iraq

Indonesia's stance on Iraq

From Koran Tempo

America and its allies have been invading Iraq for almost two
weeks but there have been no signs that the war will soon end. It
is undeniable that the Iraqi crisis will affect our domestic
security and political atmosphere.

At home some have been thinking of boycotting American
products, questioning the Indonesia-America relationship and
sweeping foreigners, particularly American, British and
Australian citizens.

Such social upheavals will, to a certain extent, have effects
on our economic recovery: Investors will be reluctant to invest
in Indonesia owing to security fears.

People consider sweeping foreigners unacceptable, but
sentiment against Americans is running high across the country.

The government's statement conveyed by the Indonesian
representative to the United Nations, Slamet Hidayat, is
considered right. In the statement, Indonesia appealed to UN
members to unite and send a global message to end the war and to
call for the Security Council to remain committed to the UN
mandate in maintaining international peace and security.

DONY CHANDRA, Bogor, West Java