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Shalom meets with Indonesian Foreign Minister |
| By: Associated Press |
| Published: July 16, 2006 |
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Thousands of people in the world's most populous Muslim nation took to the streets of the capital Sunday to protest against Israeli attacks on Lebanon and the Palestinian territories.
Some held up signs saying "Israel is the real terrorist," while others waved Palestinian banners. They laid two large Israeli flags across the road to be driven over or stamped upon.
"Holy war is the only way to chase Israel out of Palestine," one speaker told the crowd of around 5,000 people, many of whom were women and children. "It is an obligation for Indonesia to defend the Palestinians in their fight against Israel."
The rally was the largest in Indonesia against Israel since it began military strikes against targets in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon in an attempt to free three of its soldiers kidnapped by militants.
Hundreds of police officers watched over the protest, which snarled traffic in the center of Jakarta.
Most of the demonstrators were from a large Islamic political party known for peaceful rallies. A handful were from a hardline group that in the past has thrown stones at foreign embassies.
Indonesia has long supported the Palestinian cause and does not recognize Israel.
Last week, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono appealed to the United Nations to intervene in the attacks.
Many in the crowd were angry at the United States, which has refused to criticize Israel.
"Hey America, speak out against the oppression of innocent people," said legislator Patrialis Akbar. "Stop your support for Israel in its attacks against the Palestinians." |
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