Indonesia Taking Diplomatic Steps To Help Palestine

Medan, North Sumatra, July 16 (Antara) - Indonesia is concerned about the fate of Palestinians by donating US$1 million and conducting diplomacy, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono affirmed. "Indonesian diplomacy is clearly and unequivocally focused on ending the Israeli attacks on Palestinians. Indonesian initiative to take the issue to the United Nations has received a positive response," he stated in his speech while breaking his fast at the residence of North Sumatra governor here on Tuesday. President Yudhoyono explained that besides communicating with the president of Iran, Indonesia also continued to communicate with the OIC, the UN Secretary-General, and the US president. "I will convey that this (the Palestinian issue) has deeply hurt the feelings of Muslims, especially the violence occurring during Ramadhan," he noted. Based on the latest information furnished by the Foreign Affairs minister, there was favorable news that the Israeli government has agreed to a ceasefire. After the president`s arrival in Medan, the Foreign Affairs minister remarked that the Israeli government has agreed to a ceasefire. Hopefully, there is a ceasefire, the president remarked. Despite the good news, the president emphasized that Indonesia continues to take diplomatic efforts and expressed hope that the human tragedy in Palestine could end soon. "We are grateful that this nation can still worship safely and quietly," he added. Referring to Palestinian and other cases, he reiterated that a sense of brotherhood and unity should be realized in the Indonesian society. He acknowledged that there are political tensions in the country due to victory claims by the two candidates in the presidential election based on quick counts. "Alhamdulillah, the two camps have agreed to maintain a conducive situation, control supporters, and wait for the official count by the General Elections Commission (KPU)," the president added. He reaffirmed that the security on July 22 should be maintained by the Indonesian people. The two camps can raise their protest with the Constitutional Court (MK). "There are two critical points and 3-4 weeks during which election disputes can be taken up at the MK. I have asked the chairman of the KPU and the MK to carry out their duties professionally," he noted.