Jakarta. A Canadian envoy said Wednesday that Ottawa would back any Indonesian initiative aimed at easing the Middle East conflict, including Jakarta’s intention to mediate between the parties at war.

US-Israeli airstrikes on Tehran over the weekend had fueled a massive war in the Middle East. Iran continues to fire retaliatory strikes against US allies in the Gulf. President Prabowo Subianto has offered to be a mediator in the conflict, and this plan still stands despite skepticism at home. The Jakarta Globe asked Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia Jess Dutton what Ottawa thought of Prabowo’s mediator offer. 

“Canada welcomes any support that Indonesia can provide in helping to resolve this crisis,” Dutton said during a doorstep interview with the press in Jakarta. 

Canada hopes to “play an important role” in resolving the issues in partnership with Indonesia and other countries, according to Dutton. Canada is also focusing on making sure that its citizens in the Gulf region are safe and sound. 

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has condemned Iran’s strikes on the Gulf nations on civilians and civilian infrastructure, although setting a softer tone on Tel Aviv and Washington.

“We implore all parties, including the US and Israel, to respect the rules of international engagement,” Carney said.

Experts and former government officials at home are skeptical whether Prabowo’s mediation plan could come to fruition. Ex-veep Jusuf Kalla, too, has his doubts, citing Jakarta’s inability to strike a win-win trade deal with the US. The proposal is also subject to approval by the US and Iran. So far, the Iranian side has shown no interest in having talks with the Donald Trump government. Foreign Minister Sugiono said that he had spoken directly with the US side.

“It is up to them, but Indonesia seeks to bridge the differences,” Sugiono told reporters on Tuesday night.

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