JAKARTA - Foreign Minister Sugiono said he had communicated with the United States (US) and Iran regarding Indonesia's offer to facilitate peace talks amid the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.
"I communicate with both parties, the US and the Iranian parties. We'll wait for what will happen later, because he said he would see the situation in the next few days and weeks," said Sugiono at the Presidential Palace complex, Tuesday, March 3 evening.
He revealed that he had conveyed Indonesia's intention directly in a telephone communication with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. In the conversation, Sugiono also emphasized the importance of all parties returning to the negotiating table.
"What is certain is that we conveyed again the desire of the President to become a mediator in efforts to cool down and de-escalate in the region. And these are views that he (Araghchi) also received," added Sugiono.
Sugiono explained that this step was based on Indonesia's commitment to take an active and constructive role in responding to conflicts. According to him, dialogue and diplomacy remain the best way to ease tensions and end conflicts.
However, he emphasized that mediation can only be realized if all parties to the conflict express their willingness to be facilitated.
"What is certain is that Indonesia wants to be in a position that how can we become a bridge of difference, offer our readiness, offer ourselves," he said.
For information, the situation in the Middle East heated up after Israel and the US launched an attack on Iran on Saturday last week, which was then retaliated by Tehran with an attack on Israel and a number of US military bases in the region.
Responding to this development, Indonesia expressed regret over the failure of negotiations between the US and Iran which led to military escalation. Indonesia also called on all parties to refrain and prioritize dialogue and diplomacy.
In addition, Indonesia expressed its readiness to facilitate dialogue to encourage the creation of a conducive security situation.
"And if both parties agree, the Indonesian President is willing to leave for Tehran to mediate," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, last Saturday.
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