The Jakarta Post, January 26, 2006
Israel wants direct talk with Indonesia: Envoy
Last week, Israel's first Arab-Muslim Ambassador Ali Yahya visited Singapore to
promote people-to-people contacts between Israelis and the people in Southeast Asia
and to learn more about the region. In his written interview with The Jakarta Post's
Veeramalla Anjaiah, Yahya discussed various topics, including the controversial issue
of Israel establishing diplomatic relations with Indonesia.
Question: What is the main purpose of your visit to the region?
Answer: I am currently in charge of projects for peace and relations of people to
people. I came to this region to get acquainted with Asia to see how Muslims and
non-Muslims live together and to learn how they live together in peace.
In this world, extremist Muslims bring Islam to light in a bad way. I would like to
change that perception. I was very happy to meet the Mufti in Singapore. It is a good
sign that they have been practicing moderate Islam here. I am here to learn, to
cooperate with the people here. I have begun my mission in Singapore, and I wish that
I can continue my mission in Malaysia and Indonesia.
ASEAN and Tel Aviv are stressing the need for greater bilateral cooperation in the
economic field, but anti-Israel feelings are still strong in the region, especially in
Indonesia. What can Israel do in such a situation?
I misunderstand why the relationship between the majorities of Muslims in Asia is
hostile to Israel. If it is because of Israel and Palestine, then (how can it be reconciled
that) we have peace with Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, but not with eastern Asia?
We protect the holy places in Israel, respect the Arabic language, and bring Imams
and Rabbis together to have discussions. I am posing a question if the Muslim
countries in Asia can open the gate to their country for us, so that we can open up
relations with them.
There are so many opportunities in Israel and by stressing the need for cooperation;
we would like to get these countries to also have a share of these opportunities. But
to do that, we need to have the opportunity to talk directly to these countries, which I
hope, will come up soon.
After his inauguration, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said that Indonesia
wanted to play a role in the Middle East peace process. What is your comment?
I desire that Israel is able to talk directly to Indonesia for normal relations. You can
share with us your ideas and experiences about living in a multicultural society, and
help us convince extremists against acts of terror.
Do you see any prospects of Indonesia opening diplomatic relations with your
country?
At any time, Israel is open to visits by Indonesians, to Jerusalem for a holy pilgrimage
(for instance). We are ready to discuss with the Palestinians arrangements for such
visits. But I wonder why Indonesia has blocked relations with Israel. If we have good
relations and live in peace with Muslim nations like Jordan, Egypt and Morocco, which
are so close to us geographically, I fail to understand why we can't have better
relations with Indonesia.
How do you visualize the future of the Middle East peace process in the absence of
both Sharon and Arafat?
The conflict is there but it's just about issues to solve. It's not about hatred, but
maybe just a misunderstanding.
Unfortunately, some Arab and Muslim countries have not accepted the existence of
Israel. In the process of trying to find a solution, we have had a lot of bloodshed and
lost so many lives. Arafat and his second Intifada didn't provide a solution to this
conflict, but rather, worsened the scenario.
Mr. Sharon's disengagement plan last year cost a lot of families their means of
livelihood and made them leave the place which they called their home, but
unfortunately, the Palestinians don't even manage to come near to peace. We should
try to calm the situation.
Using power or violence is not a solution. The negotiation table is the only means of
finding a solution to the peace process. We all want two countries, two people. We
have achieved the same thing with Egypt and Jordan, so I don't see why we can't do it
with the Palestinians. I am hopeful that even if Mr. Sharon is not present to lead the
Peace Process, the mission of giving a separate state for the Palestinians will
continue on.
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