Jakarta, NU Online
The general chairman of the central board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), KH Hasyim Muzadi called on the government, Tuesday (22/8) in Jakarta, to stick to its plan to participate in the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon despite Israel’s objection.
He said the government must not be discouraged by the Israeli stance against the participation of Indonesian troops in the UN peacekeeping force.
<>“Dealing with the Israeli rejection of the involvement of Indonesia’s (UN) peacekeeping force, let the UN handle it,” said Muzadi after speaking at the opening ceremony of religious leader meeting.Isreal has expressed its rejection to the participation of troops from countries that have no diplomatic relations with that country in the UN peacekeeping force including Indonesia.
Muzadi said NU fully supported the government’s decision to participate in helping settle the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
He meanwhile said NU considered counterproductive any effort to send civilian fighters currently being mobilized by a number of mass organizations in the country to Lebanon.
"All parties must put the problem in the hands of the government that has so far shown its seriousness in helping settle the conflict," he said.
The Indonesian government has already prepared 1,000 troops to participate in the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon.
Several parliamentary members however have expressed objection to the sending of the troops if the troops would later only be assigned to disarm Hezbollah. (mkf)