Indonesian president: 12 nationals on aid flotilla safe in Israel

Jun 2, 2010, 6:26 GMT

Jakarta - Twelve Indonesians aboard an aid ship raided by Israeli forces were safe and awaiting deportation from Israel, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Wednesday.

The Israeli military on Monday stormed the Turkish vessel carrying pro-Palestinian activists and relief supplies to the Gaza Strip. The operation left nine people dead and provoked worldwide condemnation.

Yudhoyono said Indonesia had urged the United Nations to launch an investigation into the violence and to take strong action against Israel.

'Indonesia is seeking international support to demand Israel stop the construction of new settlements [in the Palestinian territories], cease military activities and go back to the negotiating table,' he said.

Indonesia, the country with the world's largest Muslim population, is a strong advocate of an independent Palestinian state.

'We won't stop at seeking the release of our nationals,' Yudhoyono said. 'We want to make further contributions for an independent Palestinian state.'

The Indonesians travelling on the ship Monday included aid workers and journalists.

'If it goes according to plan, we will be reunited with our brothers and sisters soon,' the president said.