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Megawati wants strikes to halt during Ramadan, protests continue
Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri in a televised address to the nation called for a halt in US bombing of Afghanistan during the holy month of Ramadan.
A number of Muslim nations allied with the U.S. - including Egypt and Pakistan - have already suggested limiting hostilities during the month during which Muslims fast in the daytime, feast at night and reflect on their relationships with God.
Indonesia initially came out strongly in support of the U.S. campaign to
eradicate international terrorism. During a meeting with President George W.
Bush in the White House in September, Megawati condemned the terrorist attacks
in Washington and New York as "the worst atrocity ... in the history of
civilization."
Since then, however, she has appeared to backtrack due to intense pressure
from conservative Muslim parties which make up the largest part of her ruling
coalition.
A spate of anti-American demonstrations by Muslim groups, although small and
mostly nonviolent, last month sparked an exodus of U.S. embassy personnel. On
Wednesday, nonessential diplomatic staff were ordered to stay away from
Indonesia for another month.
Bureau Report