RI condemns Israli attacks on Palestine
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The government of Indonesia condemned on Monday Israel's crackdown in the Palestinian territories, saying the military action had endangered not only the life of President Yasser Arafat but also the future of the peace process in the Middle East.
Security minister Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced on Monday evening the government's condemnation of the Israeli attacks on Ramallah after consulting President Megawati Soekarnoputri and incumbent foreign minister Hassan Wirayuda, both of whom are currently in India on an official visit, as well as Vice President Hamzah Haz.
"Israel is held responsible for the safety of Palestinian leader Arafat. Indonesia underscores the key role of Arafat in the peace process in the Middle East and rejects the latest attempt by Israel to deny Arafat's role," Susilo said.
Indonesia, Susilo said, insisted that a comprehensive and fair peace process required the implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions No. 242 and 338, plus other relevant resolutions, and the recognition of the "land for peace" principle.
The government, Susilo added, called for a UN initiative and the use of diplomatic moves to make the peace talks resume.
Earlier in the day Susilo, who is the Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, called an impromptu meeting on Israel's attacks on Palestine territories.
The special meeting was attended by State Intelligence Agency (BIN) Chief Hendropriyono, Minister of Defense Matori Abdul Djalil and foreign affairs ministry spokesman Marty Natalegawa.
Marty said that the meeting centered around Indonesia's disapproval of Israel's attack on Palestine, as had been earlier by stated by foreign minister Hassan Wirayuda.
Susilo said there were clear indications that Israel was not acting in accordance with the resolution issued by the UN Security Council, which suggested the removal of Israeli forces from Palestine.
"I personally am of the opinion ... isn't it time for the UN to intervene? The UN has peacekeeping forces and it has the ability to put a stop to this violence," Susilo told reporters after a seminar on an anti-terrorism bill here.
Foreign ministers from the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) meeting in Malaysia to discuss the root causes of global terrorism as Israel sent fresh tanks to the West Bank, urged the UN to give Palestinians international protection.
Meanwhile, Islamic parties and organizations condemned the latest attack on Palestine, and accused Israel of dragging the Middle East into an absolute war.
The Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) also demanded that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon be brought to the international human rights tribunal as a "war criminal and a criminal who has committed gross human rights violations."
The statement was jointly signed by MUI chief Nazri Adlani and MUI secretary-general Din Syamsuddin at the MUI office, located at the Istiqlal mosque. It was also signed by representatives of several Muslim organizations, including the Association of Islamic Students (HMI), Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) and Islamic Youth Movement (GPI).