"We cannot allow violence to continue now during Ramadhan," Yudhoyono said.
Medan, North Sumatra (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has hailed reports about an Israeli agreement on a ceasefire in Gaza.

"Moments after my arrival in Medan, I received a report from the foreign minister that the Israeli government has agreed to a ceasefire although Hamas has not yet explicitly expressed support," he said in his speech when breaking fast with North Sumatra Islamic clerics and community figures at the residence of the North Sumatra governor here on Tuesday.

He said Indonesia has taken a number of steps since Israel started attacking Gaza Strip in addition to actively contacting the chairman of the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC), who is also the president of Iran, and ordering the extension of humanitarian aid as well as taking other diplomatic measures.

"We cannot allow violence to continue now during Ramadhan. We wish the Israeli attacks could be stopped and all air attacks and counterattacks as well as rocket launching could be stopped to allow access to humanitarian aids," he said.

"I have also assigned the foreign minister to take active diplomatic efforts at the United Nations, the OIC, and the Non-Aligned Movement. Three days ago I had a telephonic conversation with the Iranian president. I have had a discussion with the Iranian president, and so, let us together do something to stop the violence in Palestine," he said.

"The Indonesian initiative to take the issue to the OIC and the UN has received a positive response, and so, the problem must not only be tackled by the Arab League. Humanitarian aid is important. I had decided to extend aid at a recent cabinet meeting. If the Indonesian people would like to contribute, they may do so in the form of humanitarian aid," he said.

To optimize diplomatic efforts, President Yudhoyono will also contact the UN Secretary-General and the US president.

"I have asked for an appointment to communicate with the UN Secretary-General and US President Obama," he said.

President Yudhoyono said Indonesia will take diplomatic efforts optimally for the good and peace in Gaza.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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