Jakarta – The first conference of Islamic parliamentarians ended Sunday calling for a peaceful solution to conflicts in the Middle East and a better economic future in Muslim countries.
"We want to position this organization as a peaceful organization that seeks peaceful solutions to conflicts faced by our fellow Muslims in the Middle East. We want to pursue a better future through stronger economic cooperation between Muslim countries," said Luthfi Hasan Ishaaq, secretary-general of the International Forum for Islamist Parliamentarians (IFIP).
Luthfi, who represents the Prosperous Justice Party in the House of Representatives, said the conference called for Muslims around the world to support Palestine in its struggle against Israel.
IFIP urged the United Nations and other related organizations to push for the release of Palestinian prisoners, particularly Aziz Duwaik, speaker of the Palestinian parliament.
The conference, attended by around 200 parliamentarians from 18 countries, also protested the invasion of Iraq by international military forces. It urged the Islamic world to support the struggle of the Iraqi people.
"As a peaceful organization we are against all forms of violence from individuals, communities and states. Thus, we encourage dialog as an effective way of resolving conflicts, including those in Palestine and Iraq," he further said.
Delegates from small, vocal parties dominated proceedings at the conference, with many mainstream Middle Eastern political parties not receiving an invitation.
"They didn't invite people from mainstream parties. For example, from Egypt they have invited only the Islamic Brotherhood," a Middle Eastern ambassador said.
Palestinian parliamentarian Muna Mansur said the conference was very important for her country, particularly in helping settle the prolonged conflict between it and Israel.
"We hope to hear recommendations from (IFIP) participants on resolving the Palestine-Israel conflict besides receiving moral support from them," she said.
Muna was among 10 female parliamentarians in attendance at the conference. Representing the ruling Hamas party, she was accompanied by 11 other parliamentary members, including Maryam Sholeh, a Palestinian minister fighting for women's' empowerment.
The visiting parliamentarians also met with several leaders in Jakarta, including Jakarta Deputy Governor Fauzi Bowo, State Ministry for Culture and Tourism officials and Bank Indonesia Governor Burhanuddin Abdullah.
The closing ceremony was attended by People's Consultative Assembly speaker Hidayat Nur Wahid and Jakarta's Governor Sutiyoso.