US Supports Indonesia in Mediating Relations With Iran
Wednesday, 07 June, 2006 | 16:11 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: Minister of Defense Juwono Sudarsono has stated that the United States supports Indonesia's efforts in mediating relations between European countries and the US with Iran regarding nuclear issues.

The support was conveyed by US Minister of Defense Donald Rumsfeld during a meeting with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the presidential office, Jakarta, yesterday (6/6).

In the 45-minute meeting, President Yudhoyono explained Indonesia's position in relation to Iran's nuclear issues, including his meeting with Iran's President Mahmud Ahmadinejad and his visit to the Middle East some time ago.

“There were discussions on solutions to Iran's nuclear issues, but we didn't mention Iran's home affairs,” said Juwono, who accompanied the president at the meeting.

The Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Widodo A.S,. Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirajuda and Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Marshal Djoko Suyanto, also attended the meeting.

The president also told Rumsfeld that he knows about the incentive package proposed by Germany, France, and the UK regarding a solution to the nuclear issues.

“The president hopes this diplomatic path be kept active to reach a solution and avoid any open conflict. If open conflict breaks out, regional stability and the world's economy will be disturbed,” said presidential spokesman, Dino Patti Djalal, quoting a statement by the president.

A similar hope has also been expressed by Middle Eastern countries leaders, that there is no open conflict between Iran and the US.

Rumsfeld said the US is still waiting for Iran's response to the incentive package proposal from three members of the European Union.

Both sides also discussed Palestina.

The president explained Indonesia's position regarding the issue and the planned meeting with Palestine's President Mahmoud Abbas.

The president asked the US to make the military relationship between Indonesia and the US permanent, as this has its ups and downs.

The peak was when the US imposed an embargo on Indonesia in 1999 and only revoked it last year.

“I highlight the word 'permanent' because there are still efforts in Washington to alter the normal military relationship,” said Dino, who also accompanied the president at the meeting.

Rumsfeld, said Dino, acknowledged that he had pushed for the normalization of the relationship.

“The most important thing is to solve problems, not to break off military relationships,” said Dino citing Rumsfeld.

The meeting also discussed terrorism and extremists groups in Indonesia.

The president told Rumsfeld that Indonesia remained committed to fighting against terrorism, as proven by its position as the leading country in the campaign to fight terrorism.

Sunariah