No.084/HMS/II/01

Press Release

Indonesia Regrets the Latest Air Strike on Iraq

The Government of the Republic of Indonesia deeply regrets the air strike by the United States of America and Great Britain on Iraq's radar installation last Saturday, 17 February 2001, causing the death of two civilians and injuring 20 others. The latest strike has increased the misery and suffering of the country's civilians as a result of the prolonged embargo imposed by the United Nations.

Indonesia requests all parties to avoid the use of force that may inflict casualties among innocent civilians as it is not in accordance with the principles of international law.

It is for this reason that the Government of the Republic of Indonesia strongly appeals that air strikes as such would not be repeated and urges the Government of Iraq to comply with all relevant UN Resolutions as well as agreements reached with the United Nations.

Jakarta, 20 February 2001

Source: Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta