Indonesia to Encourage Int`l Community to Recognize Palestinian State

Jakarta, MINA — The Indonesian government will encourage the international community during the UN General Assembly scheduled for Sept 27 to recognize Palestine as an independent state soon, Antara News reported, quoting a Foreign Ministry official.

“This is Indonesia`s commitment to stand along with Palestine. Our stand is very clear and solid to achieve the creation of a Palestinian independent state through a two state solution,” Director for the Middle East at the Indonesian Foreign Ministry Sunarko said here on Monday.

He made the remarks during a meeting themed “Solidarity and Support for President Mahmoud Abbas” at the Palestinian Embassy here.

At the meeting, the Indonesian government, religious organizations and non-governmental organizations expressed their support for President Mahmoud Abbas who will convey the aspirations of the Palestinian people at the UN General Assembly.

“We will always voice the commitment to international forum, community and organization to give Palestine full membership of the international organization,” Sunarko said.

He said when Indonesia officially becomes a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2019, the Indonesian government will continue to strengthen support for Palestine to gain its independence.

“At least in the next two years, Indonesia will always support Palestine`s struggle in the UN Security Council,” he said.

Responding to Indonesia`s support, Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia Zuhair Alshun praised the Indonesian government and people for the support.

“We will always pay full attention and express gratitude to the Indonesian government for any form of support given to Palestine,” he said.

Indonesia was elected a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for a two-year term last July. Indonesia won 144 votes to beat the Maldives, 46 votes, for the one seat allocated to the Asia-pacific group. As many as 190 member-states of the UN voted in the election; only 126 votes, or two-thirds, were required to win. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)