President lashes out at critics of Israel ties
President lashes out at critics of Israel ties
GARUT, West Java (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid lashed back
at protesters who use religious scriptures to criticize him over
topics such as opening trade ties with Israel, saying that they
themselves were ignorant of Koranic teachings.
"They have yet to truly comprehend, but they immediately go
mad about it," President Abdurrahman said.
Abdurrahman said there was nothing in Islamic teaching which
forbade Muslims to cooperate with non-Muslims, while quoting
Koranic verses which described how the Prophet Muhammad also
interacted with non-Muslim people in Medina.
He made the remarks when speaking at the closing ceremony of
the 2nd National Conference and Koranic Recital Festival (MTQ)
here at Al Musaddadiyah Islamic boarding school.
Just days after being elected president, Abdurrahman said he
wanted to open trade ties with Israel. The move sparked a public
outcry, with many fearing that it might lead to full diplomatic
relations.
However the government finally acquiesced and decided to
postpone the idea on Thursday.
Separately in Jakarta, Foreign Minister Alwi Shihab said the
decision to delay the move was to allow a period of
familiarization and to sell the idea to the general public.
"I will be more than willing to have seminars or television
discussions to discuss the ties," Alwi said.
He said he understood differing perceptions of the idea but
regretted the many protests which he said would only cause public
confusion.
Despite the government's decision to suspend the controversial
move, protests in some cities continued.
In Semarang, Central Java, about 100 women grouped under the
Womens Caring for the Nation Forum (FWPKB) marched to the
provincial legislature in protest at the plan.
"Such a plan must be dropped because up to now Israel still
occupies Palestinian land and restricts Palestinians rights," Mia
Inaryati Rahmania, the rally coordinator, said.
The group said opening relationships with Israel would give
the Jewish country more legitimacy in its claim over the land
belonging to Palestinians. (04/43/emf/har)