Indonesia Muslims urge US to end Palestine aid ban

JAKARTA, May 7 (Reuters) More than 10,000 supporters of a popular Muslim party today marched through the streets of at least three Indonesian cities demanding Washington and its allies work with the Palestinian Hamas-led government.

The United States, which views Hamas as a terrorist organisation, and the European Union cut off direct financial aid for the Palestinian authority after the elections that propelled the group that seeks the destruction of Israel to power.

The Palestinians have been unable to receive funds from abroad because local, regional and international banks fear sanctions by the United States.

Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country, is legally secular and its Islamic populace is largely moderate. However, Indonesian Muslims mostly support the Palestinian cause and the government has no formal relations with Israel.

The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), a conservative Muslim group which is popular for its strong anti-graft stance, fielded around 10,000 supporters in the capital Jakarta and hundreds of demonstrators in a couple of cities in East Java province to lambast the US-led aid ban.

''We voice protest against the US and Europe. They must revoke the ban because thousands of Palestinians are on the brink of famine,'' said PKS President Tifatul Sembiring in a rally speech in central Jakarta.

Organisers said the rally would end near the US embassy in Jakarta around midday.

PKS, known for its massive but orderly rallies, is also urging Indonesians to donate one dollar each for funds aiding the Palestinians.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan will press the West Asia ''quartet'' brokers the United States, Russia, the EU and the United Nations on Tuesday to find ways to get funds to the Palestine government arguing a ''humanitarian crisis'' is looming.

US President George W Bush last week said the United States would not waver in its commitment to the security of Israel and would have no contact with Hamas leaders until the militant group recognises the Jewish state.

Reuters SY GC1025