No Plans to Evacuate Indonesian Citizens from Egypt

Jakarta (Antara) - The Indonesian government has not yet made plans to evacuate its citizens from Egypt, even though tensions are running high following violence-marred demonstrations there, Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said here on Saturday. "Our main concern is certainly the safety of our citizens, and so, efforts will be made to repatriate them; however, no decision has been made on this issue so far," he said after attending a ceremony commemorating the 68th anniversary of the country's independence at the presidential palace here on Saturday. He noted that the government had asked its citizens in Egypt to avoid conflict-prone areas and involvement in any kind of activity that could endanger their lives. He said the government had also issued a travel advisory to its citizens to temporarily avoid visiting Egypt; however, his office was still receiving reports of tourist groups visiting Cairo. On the issue of people who wish to help Egypt, the minister advised extending assistance through appropriate channels such as the Red Cross. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, in his state-of-the nation address ahead of the parliamentary session on Friday, said Indonesia hoped the political crisis in Egypt could be overcome immediately and that national reconciliation could begin. He also expressed concern over the loss of life during the conflict, pointing out that the use of force and military weapons in dealing with demonstrators went against democratic and humanitarian values. He called on rival parties in Egypt to exercise restraint, noting, "In this case, the role of political leaders and the elite can determine their fate." President Yudhoyono believed a solution could be found if all parties were willing to reach a compromise, however difficult it may be. (*)