IN a parliamentary meeting of MIKTA members (Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Turkey and Australia) which was held in Mexico, the Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, voiced that MIKTA as middle power countries should urge a permanent ceasefire between the Israeli military and the Hamas group in Gaza, Palestine.
This was conveyed by Puan at the 10th MIKTA Speakers’ Consultation which was held in Mexico, Monday (6/5) afternoon local time. MIKTA Speakers’ Consultation itself is a consultative meeting forum between the Chairmen of the Parliaments of Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Turkey and Australia as middle power countries.
“I encourage MIKTA to act as a positive force, resolving various global crises such as the crisis in Palestine, Ukraine and the climate crisis,” said Puan in front of the MIKTA parliamentary delegation.
The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture reminded the world parliament to actively contribute to solving global problems. Puan said that parliament must have a bigger role because various global crises also have an impact on the people, including the war in Gaza.
“The crisis in Gaza could have an impact on global stability, if we do not immediately handle it together. “We must not close our eyes to the humanitarian tragedy that occurred in Palestine,” he stressed.
“MIKTA countries must use their collective influence to restore humanitarian values, and urge the beginning of a permanent ceasefire as soon as possible,” continued Puan.
Also read: MIKTA Parliament Urges Immediate Ceasefire in Palestine
According to him, a ceasefire in the war in Gaza must be implemented as quickly as possible considering that more than 34,000 Palestinian residents have become victims of Israeli attacks. Puan highlighted how 15 people are killed every hour due to the war in Gaza, where 72% of the victims are women and children.
“We must change the paradigm from the need for a country to ‘win the war’ to ‘win the peace’ (winning the peace, not winning the war),” stressed Bung Karno’s grandson.
Puan said parliament must help address the root causes of conflict, including overcoming injustice and inequality. He also emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy towards respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each country.
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“I invite the parliaments of MIKTA countries to work together to become the main pillar in building global peace and stability,” said Puan.
“Peace is the foundation for the world to achieve prosperity and democracy. “As the bearer of the people’s mandate, parliament must set an example, lead by example, by encouraging the three main pillars of peace, namely dialogue, diplomacy and mutual trust,” he continued.
Puan also emphasized that parliament must play a role in strengthening preventive diplomacy to prevent conflicts and geopolitical tensions. He said, the main thing that needs to be done is to build mutual trust (confidence building measures).
Also read: Strong Parliament is the Solution to Overcoming the Global Crisis
“We must encourage dialogue, not take unilateral action. We must encourage cooperation, not increase world fragmentation. “Because the root of conflict in various regions is distrust between countries,” explained Puan.
Parliament is also expected to develop a strong commitment in society to maintain tolerance and respect diversity.
“And most importantly, rejecting the use of violence in resolving disputes,” said the first woman to serve as Chair of the Republic of Indonesia’s DPR.
The Gaza issue itself became a serious concern at this MIKTA parliamentary meeting. Moreover, in the 10th MIKTA Speakers’ Consultation, the Mexican parliament as host carried the theme ‘The Coordinated Action of Parliaments to Build a More Peaceful, Equitable, and Fair World’ or ‘Coordinated Action of Parliaments to Build a More Peaceful, Balanced World, and Fair’.
“To manage the complexity of the world today, an effective and adaptive multilateral system at the UN is needed,” said Puan.
With the impact of the war getting worse, the Gaza issue was one of the conclusions of the 10th MIKTA Speakers’ Consultation. Most of MIKTA’s parliamentarians urged resolving the crisis in Gaza in accordance with international law.
The following is the Chair Statement agreed to by the Chairpersons of the Parliaments of MIKTA Member Countries regarding the Gaza Issue:
There was discussion of the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population. Most members underlined obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, for the protection of civilians and demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and humanitarian access as well as the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
Other members called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and urged Israel to fully comply with the International Court of Justice’s order. Members called for a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by peaceful means, based on relevant UN resolutions and in accordance with international law, as well as on a two-state solution.
We also express our deep concern regarding recent events in the Middle East and call on all parties to exercise restraint to avoid an escalation of violent conflict that could have unpredictable consequences throughout the region and beyond. In line with the United Nations Charter, we reaffirm our rejection of the use of force in international relations.”
Apart from the issue of Gaza, the 10th MIKTA Speakers’ Consultation also highlighted various crises in a number of other countries. Including the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the launch of ballistic missiles by North Korea.
The contents of MIKTA’s Chair Statement regarding this matter are as follows:
“There was discussion about the dire humanitarian impact of the Russian Federation’s war with Ukraine, which some members defined as aggression. Regarding the conflict, all members reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, and called for a cessation of hostilities and further diplomatic efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. ”
Other members underscored the need for peace between Ukraine and the Russian Federation.
“We express deep concern over the launch of ballistic missiles, and the unlawful use of ballistic missile technology and arms transfers, by the DPRK (North Korea). The DPRK’s recent increase in intercontinental ballistic missile tests and ballistic missile launches and resulting tensions on the Korean Peninsula are worrying developments that threaten peace and stability in the region.
We reaffirm our commitment to the full implementation of all relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. We note international efforts to achieve complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of the DPRK in a peaceful manner.
We welcome the efforts of the international community to pursue lasting peace and call for the intensification of these efforts in line with the principle of sovereign equality between the parties involved.”
Puan also stated that the heads of MIKTA state parliaments promised to encourage peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law. The MIKTA Parliament also reaffirmed its commitment as representatives of the people to protect and promote peace, both at the national and international levels.
“This commitment is based on upholding the supremacy of law, respecting international law, strengthening the multilateral system with the UN at its core, safeguarding the human rights of every individual,” he said.
Not only that, the MIKTA parliament ensures that it continues to be committed to increasing international cooperation between countries, and addressing the root causes of conflict by being guided by the principles of equality, inclusion and non-discrimination.
“We advocate peaceful resolution of disputes and maintain all the principles and objectives stated in the United Nations Charter,” concluded Puan. (Z-7)
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