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SBY affirms RI support for Palestine independence
Indonesia reiterated its commitment to fully supporting an independent Palestinian state as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visited the country over the weekend
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ndonesia reiterated its commitment to fully supporting an independent Palestinian state as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visited the country over the weekend.
President Susilo Bambang Yu-dhoyono said Saturday after an hour-long meeting with Abbas that Indonesia would also provide humanitarian aid by building a hospital in Gaza worth Rp 20 billion (US$2.16 million).
“As you all know, Indonesia has very consistent principles and a firm position in fully supporting the independence of Palestine as we believe it will bring real justice to Palestinians and the rest of the world,” Yudhoyono said at a joint press conference with Abbas after a meeting at the State Palace, several hours after the President returned from a visit to Oslo, Norway.
“During our talk, we reiterated Indonesia’s full support for the resumption of talks, dialogue and consultations that are now taking place, which we hope will lead to the full independence of Palestine that will be recognized by the whole world,” he added.
Yudhoyono said it was only through consultation that the independence of Palestine could be attained, and that Indonesia was eager to be part of the peace process.
The President added that Indonesia would continue sending humanitarian aid, as well as sponsoring capacity building for Palestinians along with other Asian and African countries.
“I told President Abbas that Indonesia would give aid in the form of the construction of a hospital in Gaza worth Rp 20 billion as part of infrastructure projects in Gaza.
“And of course Indonesia stands ready with our humanitarian assistance whenever it’s needed in the future,” Yudhoyono said.
Abbas, who arrived in Jakarta on Friday, expressed his gratitude to “the people and the government of Indonesia for the continuous and firm support toward our call for justice” and for the pledge to build
the hospital.
He said in the meeting he briefed Yudhoyono about the current peace process, preceding the proximity talks, mediated by the US and supported by Arab countries and the international community.
Abbas said he also explained to the President the “dangerous” situation in East Jerusalem, especially regarding the Al-Aqsa Mosque, as well as the reconciliation process with Islamist party Hamas.
“I informed the President about the suffering of our people in Gaza and the initiative for an immediate ending of the injustice,” he said.
“We’re confident that Indonesia will continue to support Palestine’s struggle for ending the occupation of our land, especially in East Jerusalem and its holy sites.”
He said he hoped Palestinians would soon be able to welcome Yudhoyono to their land “so that we can pray together in our original kiblat [direction that should be faced during praying in Islam], Al-Aqsa Mosque.”
