(NST) - Although Pas does not recognise the state of Israel, the party leadership yesterday decided that it does not have any problems over Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s statement that he supported all efforts to protect the security of Israel.

The party’s decision was reached during the high-powered political bureau meeting that was chaired by party president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang at its headquarters last night.

Party information chief Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man told the New Straits Times after the meeting that they understood the context in which Anwar made the statement.

“His support was conditional. It was on condition that Israel took all efforts to ensure Palestine’s security. This is what he meant.”

He said the party considered the issue closed.

Meanwhile another political bureau member, Selangor PAS deputy commissioner Khalid Samad said after the meeting that although the party did not recognise Israel, it accepted Anwar’s explanation that it was made in the context of a “two-state solution”.

“It was his view as PKR leader. Both parties can have differing views on this issue but this does not affect us in any way as our fundamentals are the same on national issues.”