Muslim leaders urge govt to 'stop' Israeli attack
Muslim leaders urge govt to 'stop' Israeli attack
Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) called on the House of
Representatives on Friday to support its efforts in demanding the
government take concrete actions to stop Israel's military siege
on Palestinian territories.
MUI secretary-general Din Syamsuddin said in a meeting with
the House leaders that although the Middle East crisis had
resulted in violations of human rights, it very much involved
religious sentiments.
"If the conflict persists, it will affect the domestic
situation. That's why we urge the government to take concrete
actions," Din said at the House building.
The visit to House leaders was made three weeks after the
council lodged a similar demand early this month. The Middle East
crisis has sparked anti-Israel rallies by various Muslim groups
in Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim country.
Leaders of interreligious groups here have also condemned
Israel's incursion into Palestine territory.
It is reported that Israeli troops will leave the West Bank
cities of Nablus, Jenin, and parts of Ramallah by Sunday but will
stay on at Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's compound and
Bethlehem's Nativity Church.
Din suggested that the government demand the United Nations
bring Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to an international
tribunal on charge of crimes against humanity.
The council also appealed to the Indonesian people to relieve
the burden of Palestinian people by providing moral and financial
assistance.
Responding to the MUI's demands, House Speaker Akbar Tandjung
said that legislators would seek a meeting with the foreign
minister before making an official statement.
"We have to respond to this plea, including the demand to
bring Ariel Sharon to an international human rights tribunal.
Let's see the progress," Akbar said.
Deputy House Speaker Tosari Widjaja and House Commission I
chairman Ibrahim Ambong concurred, saying that the government
should take the initiative in demanding an international tribunal
for Sharon.
"Our stance is clear: we back the struggle of Palestine for
independence and we are against Zionism," said Ibrahim, whose
commission oversees foreign affairs.