NU calls for world to uphold Palestinian independence

Jakarta, NU Online

General Chairman of the Central Board of Nadhlatul Ulama (PBNU) KH Said Aqil Siroj (Kiai Said) visited the official residence of the Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia Zuhair Al Shun on Jalan Garut, Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday (10/13/2021).

 

The meeting was to fulfill the farewell invitation of the Algerian Ambassador to Indonesia, Abdelkader Aziria.

 

During the visit, Kiai Said conveyed ideas about the future of peace in the Middle East. He said that NU was committed and encouraged the international community to realize Palestinian independence.

 

"We, Nahdlatul Ulama, remain with Palestine. That's a must. But more than that, we also hope that multilateral issues regarding the future of the Middle East (countries) more broadly, in the future will also become our common concern," he said.

 

Kiai Said also said that in line with the NU's commitment, the Indonesian government's stance on issues regarding Palestine was also the same. At the multilateral level, even at the UN Security Council forum, Indonesia has continued to affirm its support for the Palestinian independence struggle.

 

"We will continue to raise the issue of Palestine so that it becomes the world's attention and discussion," he explained.

 

NU's attitude towards Palestine, he stressed, has never shifted. Since the 13th congress in 1938, NU had expressed its support for the ideals of Palestinian independence, he said.

 

"In the era of the modern world of this century, there should be no more colonial practices and oppression. All the people of the world should uphold independence and the basic human right to live," he concluded.

 

At the same time, the Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia Zuhair Al-Shun admitted that he did not doubt the support of Nahdlatul Ulama and Indonesia for Palestine.

 

"We convey our highest appreciation to NU, to the Indonesian people for all their support and encouragement for the independence of the Palestinian people," he said.

 

KH Said Aqil on his visit was met with a number of representatives of Middle Eastern countries.

 

The Algerian Ambassador's bid farewell dinner was special because it was held at the Palestinian Ambassador's Official Residence.

 

Several Ambassadors and representatives from other Middle Eastern countries were present, such as; Tunisia, Egypt, Mauritania, Yemen, Oman, Syria, Sudan, Iraq and Libya.

 

Contributor: Syifa Arrahmah

Editor: Sudarto Murtaufiq