RI proposes ceasefire, peaceful resolution to Libya conflict

Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Tue, 03/29/2011

Peace now: Peace now: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono delivers a speech detailing the government’s stance on the military conflict in Libya, at the State Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday. (Antara/Widodo S. Jusuf)President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has asked the United Nations to implement the its 1973 resolution on ceasefires to end conflicts in Libya and protect civilians.

The official statement was made in response to ongoing conflicts in Libya, that has left many civilians dead.

"Indonesia sees two important elements in the 1973 UN resolution: The need for the immediate establishment of a ceasefire […] and to seek a peaceful political settlement to end the conflict," Yudhoyono told a press conference at the State Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday.

The situation in Libya has been heating up since an alliance of military forces, including that of the US and France, launched airstrikes targeting the military of Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi.

Prior to the airstrikes and the establishment of a no-fly zone over the country, conflicts between protesters and supporters of Qaddafi had been going on for several weeks.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro and State Secretary Sudi Silalahi accompanied Yudhoyono during the press conference.