Jakarta, NU Online
General Chairman of the Indonesia's largest Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) KH Said Aqil Siroj expected UK to be able to maintain a positive image as the best country in the eyes of the Muslim world compared to other European countries.
Siroj made the remarks as he held talks with the British Ambassador to Indonesia Martin Alan Hatful during his visit to the NU headquarters here on Thursday (14 / 4).r />
He explained that the British commitment to religious freedom and its great respect for equality had clearly been proved by involving Muslim British citizens as members of parliament, mayors and ministers.
However, in the case of Libya, Siroj expected Britain not to be wrong in taking measures following the political crisis in the Muslim country.
Siroj said if Britain took unnecessary steps in regard with the Libya's crisis, its image in the Muslim world would increasingly get worse.
Britain is one of NATO members and has been the largest contributors taking part in the mission in enforcing a UN resolution on Libya, which foresees a no-fly zone, a naval arms embargo and air strikes to protect civilians from any attack.
Hatful explained that British support for operations in Libya was to enforce the UN Security Council resolution to protect civilians, saying that it was not again a conflict between Arab and European countries.
On the occasion, Hatful also expressed support for moderate Islam in Indonesia which is considered to have successfully dealt with radical groups.
The two sides also came to an agreement in dealing with climate change programs, especially in overcoming any problem of deforestation that is capable of threatening the forest condition in Indonesia. (mkf)
General Chairman of the Indonesia's largest Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) KH Said Aqil Siroj expected UK to be able to maintain a positive image as the best country in the eyes of the Muslim world compared to other European countries.
Siroj made the remarks as he held talks with the British Ambassador to Indonesia Martin Alan Hatful during his visit to the NU headquarters here on Thursday (14 / 4).
He explained that the British commitment to religious freedom and its great respect for equality had clearly been proved by involving Muslim British citizens as members of parliament, mayors and ministers.
However, in the case of Libya, Siroj expected Britain not to be wrong in taking measures following the political crisis in the Muslim country.
Siroj said if Britain took unnecessary steps in regard with the Libya's crisis, its image in the Muslim world would increasingly get worse.
Britain is one of NATO members and has been the largest contributors taking part in the mission in enforcing a UN resolution on Libya, which foresees a no-fly zone, a naval arms embargo and air strikes to protect civilians from any attack.
Hatful explained that British support for operations in Libya was to enforce the UN Security Council resolution to protect civilians, saying that it was not again a conflict between Arab and European countries.
On the occasion, Hatful also expressed support for moderate Islam in Indonesia which is considered to have successfully dealt with radical groups.
The two sides also came to an agreement in dealing with climate change programs, especially in overcoming any problem of deforestation that is capable of threatening the forest condition in Indonesia. (mkf)
