Indonesia Criticizes US Attack against Iraq

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:The Indonesia government has criticized the US attack against Iraq. Indonesia regrets that the multilateral process through the UN Security Council has been neglected, said President Megawati Soekarnoputri during a press conference at the State Palace on Thursday (20/3). The government has formulated seven points in response to the US attack. The first point: Indonesia criticized the attack and said that the use of military power against Iraq is an act of aggression, and this was a contradiction of international law. This one sided military action has threatened the international system, said President Megawati. The President went on to say a war will not solve the problem, but merely create human tragedy. The Indonesian government and the people, President Megawati said, are concerned about the military action that might claim lives of civilians and result in material losses. Besides, a war will create a negative impact on the economy and politics in the Middle East and other countries throughout the world, including Indonesia. President Megawati added that the Indonesian government has consistently emphasized the importance of a peace solution for the Iraqi crisis by making diplomacy approaches bilaterally and also internationally, such as at the ASEAN forum, the Non-aligned Movement, the Organization of Islamic Conference and the United Nations. Megawati said that Indonesian religion leaders have also strengthened this by carrying out peace missions in several countries. The government has also demanded that the UN Security Council hold a session to urge the US and its allies to stop waging war and be responsible for handling humanitarian problems in Iraq. If these effort fail, the President said, Indonesia would urge the UN General Assembly to hold an emergency session under the Unifying for Peace Resolution. The government emphasized the importance of preventing conflict so that this would not result in instability in the Middle East region. Any solution for Iraqi problems should be carried out by respecting Iraq sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Indonesian government has also called on Indonesian citizens living in the Middle East not to worry, with the advice: Please contact the nearest Indonesian Embassy for necessary assistance and protection. President Megawati said the government fully supports the anti-war call and the Indonesian peoples sympathy for Iraqi suffering. However, this should be expressed peacefully without disturbing public order and national stability. (Deddy Sinaga Tempo News Room)