President's representatives fail to convince parliament on Iran

Jakarta, NU Online
The member of the National Awakening Faction (FKB) of the House of Representatives (DPR) Abdullah Azwar Anas asserted here on Monday that the seven ministers representing President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in an interpellation session had failed to convince DPR on the government's support to UN resolution on Iranian nuclear issue.

He said that president should not be absence in the session of the parliament which requires him to explain the Indonesia's support to the UN resolution.<>

"I am really concerned over the absence of president SBY. He should expectedly use the most respected forum to explain (his arguments) to the DPR. His foreign minister has failed to convince the DPR," Azwar said.

According to Azwar, members of the parliament signed the interpellation for being disappointed on the the government's explanation dealing with its support to the UN resolution No. 1747 that as for him has angered most Muslims.

"That's why, we signed the interpellation. We need to know directly the answer and explanation of president SBY, including his telephone conversation with President Bush before making the decision," he said.

Yudhoyono has stressed that Indonesia supports the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and that every nation including Iran had the right to apply the technology.

But for all of his political remarks, the president of the world's most populous Muslim nation has failed to explain why his government supported the UN resolution despite widespread domestic opposition.

Indonesia's decision to support the resolution has prompted strong protests from several Indonesian political parties and angered Islamic organizations. Scores of people have denounced the government's move, saying it betrays the Indonesian people. (rif)