Middle East and Africa
The Foreign Ministry has come to President Prabowo Subianto’s defense over his controversial remarks on Iran’s possession of nuclear weapons, saying the comments merely reflect Jakarta’s concerns over escalating tensions in the Middle East.
President Prabowo Subianto (right) gestures on Friday as he enters the State Palace for a meeting with Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) members. (Antara/Galih Pradipta)
The Foreign Ministry has come to President Prabowo Subianto’s defense over his controversial remarks on Iran’s possession of nuclear weapons and the possibility of neighboring countries pursuing nuclear capabilities, saying the comments merely reflected Jakarta’s concerns over escalating tensions in the Middle East.In a statement received by The Jakarta Post on Tuesday, ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang said Prabowo’s remarks were intended as a “reminder of serious consequences of nuclear proliferation”, while reaffirming Indonesia’s longstanding opposition to nuclear weapons.
“The President’s remarks should be understood in a broader context: the growing concerns among a number of parties over the risks of nuclear proliferation and an arms race in the Middle East,” Yvonne said.
