RI calls for humanitarian pause in Afghanistan

Fabiola Desy Unidjaja The Jakarta Post Jakarta

President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Thursday called for a humanitarian pause in Afghanistan, warning that prolonged military strikes against the Muslim country could weaken global backing for a war on terrorism.

Addressing lawmakers on the first day of the People's Consultative Assembly's Annual Session, Megawati urged an end to the U.S.-led strikes against Afghanistan during the coming fasting month of Ramadhan as well as Christmas.

She did not specifically mention the United States or strikes against Afghanistan in her 25-page speech, but she appeared to make it clear that in the context of the coming religious holidays, "we call for the ongoing military attacks -- to find terrorist suspects -- and which have caused many innocent people to become victims, not be continued during the holy month of Ramadhan and Christmas holiday."

The Islamic fasting month of Ramadhan begins in mid November. Muslims all over the world will celebrate the Idul Fitri holiday as a conclusion of the fasting month in mid December. Less than two weeks afterward, Christians will celebrate Christmas.

"...prolonged military strikes are not only counterproductive, but also can weaken the global coalition's joint efforts to fight terrorism."

"For this reason, we call for a humanitarian pause to provide more room for the handling of the humanitarian aspects while trying to find a solution through political and diplomatic means."

The government, she said, would continue to push the United Nations to play its role in maintaining peace and security in the world.

Indonesia, despite its stance in condemning and joining global efforts to fight terrorism, continues to express disagreement with the U.S.-led strikes against Afghanistan, which many here believe has caused a new humanitarian crisis in the world.

Initially, the government merely stated its deep concern over the Afghan attack, but later shifted the stance saying that an attack against another country for whatever reasons, was unacceptable.

The shift was considered to be the government's attempt to appease Muslim groups here and to clarify the stance against the strike, although, economically the country depends much on the U.S.

The President also said that "it is not easy to implement a free and active foreign policy at this time of tumult. The global economic interest needs a peaceful and secure world with a strong spirit of cooperation among nations."

The President further said that Indonesia also urged the Association of South East Asia Nations (ASEAN) to work hand in hand in dealing with the issue of terrorism, along with other transnational crimes.

"I am calling for better cooperation among intelligence agencies and security forces of member countries to deal with those problems," she remarked.

After the session, Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda said that the continuing strikes against Afghanistan would destabilize political conditions in many countries, "so the UN should take a more active role to end the crisis."

He also said that the terrorism issue will be discussed in the coming ASEAN summit in Brunei Darussalam on Sunday to once again underscore the intention of the ASEAN countries in fighting terrorism.