NU Condemns Violence in Egypt

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Chairman of Indonesia's largest Muslim organisation Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Said Agil Siradj strongly condemned the violence that killed more than 400 demonstrators in Egypt.

"We strongly condemn the mass killings following a political deadlock in Egypt. There is no need to point fingers at anyone. The mass killings are obviously a violation of human rights and should be ended with dignity," explained Said Agil over the phone on Friday.

Every Muslim should show solidarity by at least offering his/her prayers, he said.

Meanwhile, Indonesian historian Bonnie Triyana explained that the massacre in Egypt, carried out by the military, is a violation of human rights and should not be viewed through a religious lens alone.

"Do not view the killings merely from the aspects of religion or race; look at them from the humanitarian aspect too, which is more universal. In other words, the Egyptian government has committed human rights violation," he said.

He is not in favour of a military coup in Egypt because a coup is not in line with democratic values.

"Succession in democracy should follow elegant procedures through general elections and not a coup," noted Triyana.

Earlier President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono urged the United Nations (UN) to immediately take action to stop violence in Egypt.

"The people of Indonesia are concerned about the situation in Egypt. The number of victims is on the rise, and there are no signs of peace," he said at a press conference at the presidential palace on Thursday.

President Yudhoyono added that the UN and all countries should pay more attention to the situation in Egypt.

"I urge all countries and the UN to pay more attention to the situation in Egypt and take necessary actions to prevent humanitarian tragedy," he explained.

People should not resort to violence to overcome peaceful demonstrations. This is unwise and unacceptable, he said.

"The military should respect democracy; the use of military force and weapons on peaceful demonstrators is unacceptable," he added.

President Yudhoyono believes that the military, the government, and the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt should come up with a solution that is acceptable to all. (*/DWA)