Albright pledges aid to support Aceh peace pact<\/p>\n
WASHINGTON (AFP): United States Secretary of State Madeleine
\nAlbright hailed last week's accord between Indonesia and
\nseparatist rebels in Aceh, pledging U.S. humanitarian aid to
\nsupport the pact.<\/p>\n
But Albright -- speaking to reporters at a joint news
\nconference with Alwi Shihab, her visiting Indonesian counterpart
\n-- stressed that the deal, concluded Friday outside Geneva, was
\nonly an initial move towards a lasting peace in the province.<\/p>\n
"The May 12 agreement is an important first step, but
\nsustainable resolution of the conflict will require a
\ncomprehensive political settlement which addresses the core
\ngrievances which have (aggravated) conflict in the province,"
\nAlbright said.<\/p>\n
The deal, due to come into effect on June 2 and set to last
\nfor an initial period of three months, deserved support from the
\ninternational community, Albright said.<\/p>\n
The U.S. secretary of state praised both Jakarta and the rebel
\nFree Aceh Movement (GAM) for their willingness to embark on the
\npath of peace.<\/p>\n
"This is a genuine act of political courage on both sides and
\nrepresents the best chance in over 24 years to end a conflict
\nwhich has caused profound suffering and cost thousands of lives,"
\nAlbright said, announcing the donation of an as-yet unspecified
\namount of U.S. humanitarian aid.<\/p>\n
"We call on Indonesia's friends in the international community
\nto join us in this endeavor so we can help create an atmosphere
\nin which this humanitarian pause can become a permanent peace,"
\nshe added.<\/p>\n
Those hopes however have been tempered by statements that the
\nrebels are still committed to the long-term goal of independence,
\nsomething Jakarta opposes.<\/p>\n
Both ministers stressed that the solution in Aceh must be
\nbased on the idea that the province remains part of Indonesia.<\/p>\n
"The United States supports dialog aimed at achieving justice
\nand peace in Aceh within the context of a united, democratic
\nIndonesia," Albright said.<\/p>\n
Alwi noted that Jakarta had continually made clear its demand
\nfor territorial integrity as part of a long-term solution.<\/p>\n
"We have emphasized the territorial integrity of Indonesia as
\nhas been supported by the United States," he said.<\/p>\n
"This is a historic event for the Indonesian people as well as
\nthe Acehnese people that at last we have succeeded in laying the
\nfoundation for a peaceful settlement in Aceh as well as in the
\nregion," he added.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/albright-pledges-aid-to-support-aceh-peace-pact-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}