Nana ordered to explain RI stance

JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri asked Indonesian Ambassador to Britain Nana Sutresna on Thursday to explain Indonesia's opposition to military strikes against Afghanistan by the U.S. and its allies during Ramadhan.

Speaking to journalists after meeting Megawati, Nana said it was his duty to communicate the Indonesian government's stance on continued attacks during the Muslim fasting month.

"It is my duty to communicate to the British government our position against the strikes during Ramadhan. As the most populous Muslim country in the world, we understand the difficulties Afghans face during the holy month," he said.

Nana said that the President had also asked him to explain that Indonesian Muslims were not as radical as most foreigners thought because the majority of the Muslim population were moderate.

The British government has conveyed an invitation for Megawati to visit the country next year to boost investment to Indonesia. --JP