CNN Indonesia
Tuesday, 28 Mar 2023 19:26 WIB
President Joko Widodo and Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi receiving visits from Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki and Palestinian Ambassador Zuhair Al Shun (left) on the verandah of the Merdeka Palace some time ago. (CNN Indonesia/Christie Stefanie)
Jakarta, CNNIndonesia —
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) agreed with the Ambassador Palestine for the Republic of Indonesia, Zuhair Al Shun regarding participation Israeli national team at the U-20 World Cup in Indonesia.
This statement was made by Jokowi in the midst of a polemic over the rejection of the U-20 Israeli national team to participate in Indonesia.
Jokowi said RI was in line with the Palestinian Ambassador that sporting events had nothing to do with political issues and conflict.
“In matters concerning the U-20 World Cup, we agree with the Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia that FIFA has rules that its members must obey,” Jokowi said in a press conference at the Merdeka Palace, Tuesday (28/3).
“So, don’t mix up sports and politics,” he said.
Jokowi then said that FIFA was also aware of the rejection of the Israeli national team’s participation in the U-20 World Cup.
“But we, both the government and PSSI, are still trying to find the best solution,” said Jokowi.
Previously, Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia Zuhair Al Shun also responded to the Israeli national team which will play in Indonesia in the U-20 World Cup.
“We know that each of these sports federations has its own rules, including FIFA. In this regard, Indonesia has succeeded in winning the bidding to host the U-20 World Cup,” said Al Shun during a press conference at the Palestinian Embassy in Jakarta, Wednesday ( 15/3).
He then said the participation of each country participating in the U-20 competition had nothing to do with political conflict.
“And of course the participation of each country participating in this event, of course, has nothing to do with the likes or dislikes of the participating countries,” continued the Ambassador.
(bac)
