INDONESIA TO GIVE STRONG SUPPORT FOR PALESTINE - MARTY

By Ahmad Fuad Yahya
JAKARTA, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- Indonesia will show its unwavering support at
the 66th United Nations (UN) General Assembly when Palestine applies for full
membership as the UN's 194th member, said Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa.

"The issue of Palestinian independence will generate a lot of attention at
this year's UN General Assembly.

"Indonesia will be on the front line in fighting for Palestinian
independence and the country's full admission as UN member," an English daily,
The Jakarta Post, qouted Marty as saying Monday.

Currently, the Palestinian people are represented at the UN by the
Palestinian Liberation Organisation, under the status of an observer.

Marty said Indonesia had recognised Palestine's independence, just a few
hours after it was proclaimed in exile in Algiers on Nov 15, 1988.

While Palestine has the backing of a majority of UN members, with at least
120 out of 193 members, supporters continue to apply pressure globally in the
face of a United States vow to exercise a veto against Palestinian membership.

Meanwhile, Marty said Indonesia supported a peaceful transition in Libya
that used democracy to seek the best possible future for all parties.