PRESS RELEASE

No. 05/HMS/VII/06

Press Statement by the Indonesian Government
regarding Israeli air strikes in Qana, Southern Lebanon

The Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia today delivers a Press Statement with regard to the Israeli air strikes in Qana, Southern Lebanon as follows:

1. The Indonesian Government strongly condemns the criminal act that goes beyond humanity that was perpetrated by the Israeli forces in its air strikes in Qana, Southern Lebanon on Sunday, 30 July 2006. It has reportedly caused the death of 54 innocent civilians, 37 of them are children.

2. This indiscriminate Israeli military aggression is a gross violation of international laws, including humanitarian law that clearly prohibits the targeting of civilian populations (non-combatants). This criminal act has blatantly been conducted in contravention of universal humanitarian values.

3. The Indonesian Government once again urges the United Nations Security Council that has the mandate and responsibility of maintaining international peace and security, to halt the Israeli military aggression without delay, to immediately enforce unconditional cease-fire, and to open access for humanitarian assistance, including medicine and foods to the Lebanese that are in dire need of such assistance.

New York, 30 July 2006