Israeli seats occupied

Confusion clouded the UN meeting once again, this time during the opening ceremony of the ministerial meeting on sustainable development on Wednesday when two seats reserved for the Israeli delegation in the plenary hall became unexpectedly occupied.

Two men sat in Israel's assigned seats next to the delegation from Ireland, although the name of their delegation was not displayed.

Speculation of an Israeli delegation was brushed aside by UN spokesperson Pragati J. Pascale, who said that as of Wednesday no members were registered.

"I think none of the Israeli delegation was registered here, so maybe they were members from other delegations sitting in the vacant seats," Pascale told The Jakarta Post.

The presence of an Israeli delegation has raised confusion in the past, as Indonesia does not have diplomatic ties with the country.

However, it is the obligation of the host country of any UN meeting to accept all UN members at their convention. -- JP

;JP; ANPAi..r.. 14-sidelines Sidelines-Israel Indigenous people in action JP/14/SIDELINES

Indigenous people in action

It took a group of determined indigenous tribespeople to do what none of the other protesters could: They broke through the United Nation's (UN) wall of security to get into the Bali International Convention Center.

Dozens of tribespeople, decked out in traditional dress, entered the building by individually stealing into the compound.

After rallying for some 30 minutes, the protesting group spotted UN ministerial meeting chairman Emil Salim passing them, and grabbed him for a photo session.

"Please, Mr. Emil, fight for our interests," said one protester as he shook Emil's hands.

"Yes, I will," Emil said. -- JP