Don't Hurt Indonesians' Feelings: President

Jakarta, Aug 16 (Antara) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has urged other countries to not hurt the feelings of Indonesians because Indonesia respects the sovereignty of every country. "Do not hurt the feelings of Indonesians because we will never hurt the feelings of other nations," said the head of state in his state-of-the-nation address in a joint plenary session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) here on Friday. The joint session, which was held in commemoration of the 68th anniversary of Indonesia`s independence at the parliament building, was attended among others by members of the DPR and DPD, former President BJ Habibie, former vice presidents, Hamzah Haz and M Jusuf Kalla, former DPD Chairman Ginandjar Kartasasmita, and former DPR Speaker Akbar Tanjung. Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Abraham Samad, Bank Indonesia`s Governor Agus Martowardoyo, and ambassadors of several countries were also present at the event. "Indonesia has always appreciated and respected the sovereignty of other countries. Other countries and nations should do the same," Yudhoyono said. He added that Indonesia plays an active role in solving global problems. "At the ASEAN level, Indonesia is committed to realising the ASEAN Economic Community on the basis of economic, political, and sociocultural relations," said the president. He hopes the ASEAN community would be beneficial to its members in the future. With regard to the situation in Syria, Yudhoyono stressed that the world should try to find solutions to the conflict there. Referring to the political situation in Egypt, the president expressed hope that the political conflict would end soon through reconciliation process. "Indonesia is concerned about the situation in Egypt. The use of military forces is against democratic and humanitarian principles. There should be a win-win solution," he said. With regard to the struggle of the people of Palestine, the president emphasised that Indonesia would try its best to ensure that Palestine gains membership in the United Nations. Indonesia will continue to support Palestine in its attempt to become an independent and sovereign state, he added.