The Government of the Republic of Indonesia strongly condems the recent intensification by Israeli military forces of the siege and destruction of the Headquaters of Palestinian President, Yasser Arafat, in Rammalah, West Bank.

The Israeli military aggrssion against the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people represents continued defiance against the will of the international community as reflected in the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council. It also constitutes the intensification of the much discredited attempt to sideline and harm the safety of the elected Palestinian leadership under President Yasser Arafat. Through its actions, Israel is once again threatening the stability and security of the region and jeopardizing the future of the peace process.

At this critical juncture, the Government of the Republic of Indonesia reiterates its support and solidarity with the people of Palestine. It demands that Israel immediately ends its siege and destruction of the Palestinian Headquaters in Rammalah, West Bank and fully comply with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.

Jakarta, 23 September 2002