Indonesia reiterates support for Palestine's independence

Jakarta, February 4 (ANTARA) - Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto has reiterated Indonesia's support for a two-state solution that is believed to bring peace in Palestine. "Indonesia is ready to help in the efforts to increase the prospects of realizing the solution," Subianto noted in a written statement of the Defense Ministry received in Jakarta on Friday. Indonesia has consistently echoed its support for Palestine's independence and peace in various opportunities, including international and regional forums as well as other official meetings. Indonesia reiterated its support for Palestine's struggle for independence when Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia Zuhair S. M. Al Shun paid a courtesy call on Subianto at the Defense Ministry in Jakarta on Thursday. At the meeting, he stated that the Indonesian people's support for peace in Palestine is the Constitutional mandate contained in the preamble of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia. The first paragraph of the 1945 Constitution stipulates that independence is the right of every nation, and therefore, colonialism on the planet must be eliminated, as it is against humanity and justice. At the meeting, the Palestinian ambassador lauded the consistent support of the Indonesian government and people for the Palestinian people's struggle for independence. Subianto and Shun discussed ways to expand cooperation between the two states in various strategic sectors, including health, education, and economy. Israel is currently occupying several parts of the Palestinian territory. Since 1967, the Israeli authority has controlled borders, taxes, and outflow and inflow of goods in Palestine.