House supports government`s approach to resolve Qatar issues

The House of Representatives Commission I fully supports the Indonesian governments stance that encourages seven Arab countries, which have cut diplomatic ties with Qatar, to employ the mechanism of dialog and reconciliation to solve problems.

"Dialog and reconciliation is the best avenue in resolving this issue and in maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East region," Chairman of Commission I of the House of Representatives Abdul Kharis Almasyhari stated in a press release received in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Based on Indonesias free and active foreign policy commitment, dialog and reconciliation to solve problems in the Middle East is viewed as being an appropriate step towards friendly countries, Almasyhari noted.

As earlier reported, seven countries in the Arab Gulf region have severed diplomatic ties with Qatar following political tensions between Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

The governments of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Yemen, Libya, and the Maldives have severed diplomatic ties with Qatar.

According to Almasyhari, the diplomatic relations were cut due to Qatars relations with Iran and the alleged support of both countries to terrorist groups, which are believed to be working to disrupt the Gulf region.

Saudi Arabia has accused Qatar of supporting Iranian-backed terrorist groups, such as the Ikhwanul Muslimin group, the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, and Al-Qaeda.

Almasyhari, who is a member of the House of Representatives from the PKS faction, expressed concern and hoped political tensions in the Middle East region would soon subside and be resolved.

"In the month of Ramadhan, we want peace. Tensions in the Middle East are a concern. Hopefully, the tensions can be immediately brought under control," he noted.

Almasyhari also expressed full support to the Indonesian governments stance, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the hope that all countries would uphold the principles of international relations, such as respecting each countrys sovereignty and not interfering in the internal affairs of other nations.

"I think Indonesia and Turkey can serve as mediators in the reconciliation process," he said.

According to Almasyhari, Qatar has a strategic role, both as a source of foreign exchange through Indonesian labor and as having a strategic role in resolving the conflict in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue.

Almasyhari also reminded the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take immediate steps to anticipate the fate of Indonesian citizens in Qatar and Indonesian minor hajj (umroh) pilgrims who have taken Qatar Airways flights since seven countries have severed diplomatic relations with Qatar and have closed access to the Gulf state, either by land, air, or sea.(*)