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.