RI 'observing' the situation in Iraq, not commenting

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The government has refrained from making any comment on the establishment of an ad interim government in Iraq, saying that the process was still under way and thus required further observation.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Marty Natalegawa told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday that the government was closely following developments in Iraq.

"We have noted the latest developments, but our position remains that the United Nations should play a central role in the establishment of the ad interim government," Marty said.

"Another important point is that the ad interim government should receive the full support of the Iraqi people," he added.

Indonesia opposed the invasion of Iraq by the United States and its allies, and demanded a greater UN role in Iraq.

Indonesia had also said that it would only recognize a government set up with the help of the United Nations.

Iraq, which has been occupied by the United States and its allies for the past three months, appointed a 25-member council last week to prepare for the establishment of a new government.

The council includes 13 Shiite Muslims, five Arab Sunni Muslims, five Kurds, one Turk and one Christian, each representing the religious groups in Iraq.

Most Arab countries hailed the establishment of the council, while those who opposed the Iraq war have refrained from commenting.

"We consider the establishment of the council an ongoing progress, and thus we need to see what will be the result of the council," Marty said.