Former President Yudhoyono Conveys Christmas Greetings

Jakarta (Antara) - Former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) sent Christmas greetings to all Indonesian Christians in the country and hoped this year's Christmas celebrations could help to strengthen the spirit of unity and brotherhood. "Let us make the celebration of Christmas as part (of our efforts) to build a peaceful life for the sake of the nation. Merry Christmas to those who celebrate," Yudhoyono messaged through his personal twitter handle @SBYudhoyono on Thursday. "I and the family send Christmas greetings to all Indonesian Christians in the country," the sixth Indonesian president remarked. Yudhoyono was also optimistic that this year's Christmas celebrations will truly be the harbinger of peace, happiness, and prosperity for all Christians. "As a Muslim, I call on all parties to strengthen harmony, and this country must become the land of love and brotherhood," he noted. "There are a lot of conflicts and violence due to lack of tolerance and mutual respect on differences," he pointed out. "There is an attitude and action to impose cultural values and belief on others. This is what we have to tackle," SBY added. (*)