Support The Palestinian Struggle, Indonesia Proposes 3 Key Steps That OIC Should Do
JAKARTA - Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi attended The Extraordinary Open-Ended Ministerial Meeting of OIC Executive Committe attended by 16 ministers and deputy ministers of member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to discuss Israeli aggression in the Palestinian territories, particularly Al Quds and Gaza.
Of these aggressions, more than 150 people have lost their lives including women and children. As well as thousands of people had to lose their homes.
Before the OIC meeting, Foreign Minister Retno communicated with the Foreign Minister of other countries. Among others, Palestine, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Egypt, Jordania, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Tunisia, India, United Kingdom, Vietnam and the countries of the United Arab Emirates.
"In those talks we are all concerned about the developing situation in Palestine. I stress the importance of each country using its own influence so that violence can be stopped and a ceasefire can be done immediately," Foreign Minister Retno said in a virtual press conference, Sunday, May 16.
OIC countries also exchanged ideas on various international forums and mechanisms that could be used to help the Palestinians and defuse current tensions.
"Today also the UN Security Council will hold a meeting that will discuss this crisis. We still don't know what the outcome of the U.N. Security Council meeting is," Retno continued.
The Foreign Minister said the President of Indonesia also communicated with a number of leaders and discussed the Palestinian situation. In the communication, the president also discussed the follow-up of the ASEAN Leaders Meeting as well as the Afghan peace process.
Following up on the communication of three leaders in Southeast Asia, namely the President of the Republic of Indonesia, the Prime Minister of Malaysia and the Sultan of Brunei, indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam agreed to issue a join statement on the attitude of the three countries to the Palestinian situation.
"According to the plan this join statement will be issued tonight," said the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Meanwhile, at the OIC meeting, Foreign Minister Retno said that for the umpteenth time the OIC should meet again to discuss the same issue of Israeli aggression against the Palestinians. Since its founding, the commitment of the OIC state has never faded and continues to be determined to be with the Palestinians in the fight for its rights.
"Today we are still seeing the disruption of worship at the Al Aqsa mosque, the movement of Palestinians is restricted on its own soil and palestinian rights are eliminated," Retno said.
"We must not forget that Palestine is the only state still occupied by colonial powers in the world. All Palestinian suffering is caused by Israel as occupying power," he added.
The Foreign Minister stated, Indonesia strongly condemns all actions taken by Israel. Even more hurtful is the holy month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.
Therefore, in the meeting, Indonesia proposed several key steps that the OIC should take. First ensure unity between OIC member states and the unity of all stakeholders in Palestine.
"Without unity, the OIC would not be able to be a driver for international support for Palestine. Likewise, Palestine can only be independent if it is united," explained the Foreign Minister.
Second, the OIC should seek to create an immediate ceasefire. "I call on each OIC country to use its influence to push for an immediate ceasefire," the Foreign Minister said.
Third, to keep the OIC focused on helping the independence of the Palestinian people. The OIC, Retno said, should work harder to encourage the start of credible multilateral negotiations, guided by internationally agreed parameters with the aim of achieving sustainable peace.
"The struggle to support Palestine is far from over. The OIC union must be maintained to support the Palestinian cause. And Indonesia will continue to support the palestinian struggle," said Foreign Minister Retno.