Foreign ministers of Italy and Indonesia expressed their full support for a dialogue to bring peace back to the Middle East.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda told a joint press conference the two countries were keen to have all warring factions involved in the US-backed peace talks for the "peace road map" aimed at putting an end to the Israel-Palestine conflict, after signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on bilateral consultation in Rome on Wednesday.
"We agree on the need to strengthen the temporary cease-fire and promote permanent peace in Gaza through a dialogue and reconciliation among groups there," Hassan said.
When asked if such a peace talk would involve Hamas, which the US refers to as a "terrorist group", Hassan said Indonesia's support for the dialogue would not change its commitment to the fight against terrorism. However, he did not mention whether Indonesia shared the same view as the US on Hamas.
"We are pushing for more talks among the warring factions, but there is no need to negotiate with terrorists," he said.
"We have actively combated terrorism, particularly in arresting and bringing terrorists to justice."
Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said the two countries, which were both involved in the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, or UNIFIL, agreed to work together to promote peace in the Middle East. UNIFIL is currently headed by Italian Force Commander Major-General Claudio Graziano.
Italy, Frattini said, would help Indonesia improve its peacekeeping center in Jakarta.
Frattini said the Italian government had invited Indonesia to take part in the upcoming G8 summit hosted by Italy, as a clear sign of Rome's recognition for the influential role Jakarta was playing in addressing global security and climate change issues.
Italy has also extended its invitation to the Indonesian energy and environment ministers to the ministerial meeting prior to the summit.
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