RI Trying to Seek Alternative Solution to Syrian Conflict

Jakarta (Antara) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Sunday Indonesia is trying to contribute to the peaceful settlement of Syrian conflict and prevent the use of military option in the country. "We have moral obligation to prevent humanitarian tragedy without intervening in Syria's domestic affairs. As the US and Russian fleets have now come closer to Syria, we fear if they are not prevented they will endanger international security," the President said shortly after arriving at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta from a week-long tour of three nations. Indonesia is pursuing diplomatic approaches as an alternative to peaceful settlement of the Syrian conflict without having to resort to military force, he said. Any military option in Syria without a UN mandate is inappropriate, he said. He added however that he will be realistic about the results of the diplomatic approaches since the Syrian conflict is an international issue which involves many countries and political interests. After all, Indonesia will not remain silent in responding to the Syrian conflict, he said. Earlier, Yudhoyono met with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on Friday to convey his views on Syria. Yudhoyono asked all parties to refrain from pursuing military options without a UN mandate to settle the Syrian conflict. He proposed three steps to help settle the Syrian conflict; first, ending the violence and bloodshed; second, ensuring the smooth distribution of much-needed humanitarian aid; and third, encouraging a political solution. Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia's largest Muslim organization, has expressed hope that Indonesia would play an active role in mediating the Syrian conflict by negotiating a peaceful settlement. "We hope President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono can act as a go-between in the conflict," NU Chairman KH Said Aqil Siroj said on the sidelines of the organization's plenary session at the Sains Al Quran University in Wonosobo, Central Java, on Saturday. (*)