The Indonesian Foreign Ministry has given its approval for the Fed Cup women's tennis team to compete in the World Group II playoff in Israel in mid-July despite the absence of diplomatic ties with Tel Aviv.

The decision removes the threat of the Indonesian Tennis Association (Pelti) being penalized for defaulting the tie, which would have included a 5,000 U.S. dollars fine, reimbursement of the costs incurred from its cancellation and a temporary ban from competition, The Jakarta Post newspaper reported Wednesday.

"Since the match is organized by the International Tennis Federation and has nothing to do with Indonesian bilateral relations with Israel, it is possible for Indonesia to play in Israel," Foreign Ministry spokesman Desra Percaya was quoted as saying.

He said the ministry would discuss the logistics of the team competing in Israel, including visa and other protocol matters, with Pelti.

Pelti deputy secretary-general August Ferry Raturandang said the association had e-mailed the Israel tennis federation on arrangements for the tie.

"We have received a positive response so far. They promised to give necessary assistance with regard to the problem," Ferry said.

Former national number one Angelique "Angie" Widjaja, who teamed with Israeli Tzipora Obziler in the doubles competition at a WTA tournament in Bangalore, India, in February, welcomed the decision.

"I uphold sportsmanship and competitiveness in sports, and other things shouldn't be involved," said the 21-year-old.

Pelti requested in late April that the ITF move the tie to a neutral location, but the federation turned down the request, saying Israel had the choice of ground.

Source: Xinhua