House to question government over UN sanctions on Iran

Jakarta, NU Online
The House of Representatives has announced plans to officially question the government over its decision to support the UN resolution imposing sanctions on Iran for its nuclear program.

The agreement was reached on Tuesday following a lobbying session among faction leaders in the midst of a House plenary session presided over by House Deputy Speaker Muhaimin Iskandar.<>

"The House will follow up the proposed interpellation, which has gained political support from a majority of factions. The proposal will be brought to a meeting of the House's consultative committee next week to decide on when the government will be invited to unveil its accountability," he said.

The proposal has the support of seven major factions, including the Golkar Party and the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P). The Democrat Party and Prosperous Peace Party factions opposed the move, while the Crescent Star Party faction abstained.

Muhaimin added that according to the law, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono could delegate a minister to present the government's political reasons for endorsing the UN resolution.

Representing 280 legislators who proposed the interpellation move, Abdillah Toha told the plenary session that the government's endorsement of the UN resolution contradicted the Constitution, the non-alignment movement, national interests and the spirit of solidarity among Muslim countries.

"The House has to ask for a satisfactory explanation from the government... Iran has not been proven to be developing its nuclear technology for military purposes," he said.

"The resolution was drafted by a few developed countries that have taken no measures against Israel, which has internationally admitted to using nuclear weapons."

The resolution sparked a strong reaction from Muslim groups at home last month, prompting many legislators to politicize the issue by pressing the President to give more seats to the political parties supporting him.

Many sides expected Indonesia to abstain, as it did with the UN resolution on Myanmar.

Asked on the political consequences if the government's explanation was not accepted, Abdillah said: "I could not comment on 'ifs' and the House should not intervene too deeply in the President's domestic affairs."

According to the law and House's internal rulings, the House could recommend the People's Consultative Assembly impeach the President, should the government's accountability to be rejected.

However, the government does not appear to be concerned about the interpellation move, as it is still supported by a majority of the House's factions, despite disappointment over the results of the recent cabinet reshuffle.

PDI-P faction chairman Tjahjo Kumolo said his faction wanted the President to show that the government was accountable to the House

"The President himself should speak before the House, which unsatisfied by the explanation given by Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayudha to the House Commission overseeing defense and foreign affairs," he said. (tjp/dar)