Egypt`s interests should be prioritized, not that of certain groups in Egypt."Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian government`s stance on the Egyptian crisis, calling on international communities to assist with reconciliation efforts, is grounded in the 1945 mandate of the Indonesian Constitution, said Zuhairi Misrawi, a Middle East observer.
"In promoting reconciliation, I think Indonesia respected its Constitution, leading the country away from being trapped by other countries` vested interests while addressing the crisis in Egypt," stated Misrawi here on Tuesday.
According to Misrawi, reconciliation efforts requested by the Indonesian government may also ensure that Indonesia does not get bogged down by the divided interests of the international community in resolving Egypt`s political crisis.
He noted, "Encouraging reconciliation efforts is better than being stuck in a polarized state in the same manner as many other countries and world organizations with regard to the Egyptian crisis."
Misrawi explained that Indonesia`s diplomatic assistance through the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the UN Security Council, or the Arab League is an appropriate step for helping Egypt, and so these efforts should continue.
"The world is now wondering about Egypt`s future, so all proposals and initiatives aimed at reconciliation should be publicized," he remarked.
He added that Indonesia, which has no political stake in the Egyptian crisis, is in the right position to mediate between the supporters of the ousted President Mohamad Morsi and the military forces.
However, Misrawi emphasized that any assistance from Indonesia should be provided in a way that respects the country`s independence and active foreign policy.
The historical relationship between the two countries can also act as a bridge for Indonesia to encourage peace amongst Egypt`s communities.
"Egypt`s interests should be prioritized, not that of certain groups in Egypt," he noted.
The Indonesian government has repeatedly called on international communities to show concern for and encourage reconciliation within Egypt.
On Thursday (Aug. 22), Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa, during a meeting with the current president of the United Nations` Security Council (UNSC), Cristina Perceval, called on the international organization to play a larger role in resolving conflicts in the Middle East, especially in Egypt.
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono highlighted the crisis in Egypt when he gave his national speech on Aug. 16.
President Yudhoyono said Indonesia condemned the use of violence against demonstrators in Egypt.
"The use of violence and guns is obviously a contradiction of human values," he stated.
"Hence, I call for all sides of the political conflict in Egypt to restrain themselves and try to compromise within the framework of a win-win solution," added President Yudhoyono.
(T.I029/INE/KR-BSR/H-YH)
Reporter: Indra Arief Pribadi
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
