EU readies aid to support peace process in Aceh<\/p>\n
Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Brussels<\/p>\n
The European Commission (EC) on Friday said it was releasing four
\nmillion euros (US$5.1 million) to help reintegrate former
\npolitical prisoners and Free Aceh Movement (GAM) fighters into
\ncivilian life in the province.<\/p>\n
The European Union (EU) executive arm also said it had
\napproved 38 million euros to help reconstruction activities
\nfollowing the devastation caused by last December's tsunami.<\/p>\n
Officials said EU aid in support of peace in Aceh would be
\nfollowed up with further assistance worth up to 12 million euros
\nto help train local police - including former GAM combatants -
\nset up a human rights court and preparation for elections in Aceh
\nset for April 2006.<\/p>\n
"We are ready to commit further funds to support the
\nIndonesian authorities in implementing a lasting peace in the
\nprovince," said European external relations chief Benita Ferrero-
\nWaldner.<\/p>\n
"A successful demobilization and reintegration of GAM members
\nwill be a key factor to achieve lasting peace," she said, adding:
\n"Reintegrating former combatants in their communities is our
\npriority today."<\/p>\n
The four million-euro aid package will focus on providing
\nmedical screening and a minimal subsistence allowance to former
\nGAM members and their families for six months.<\/p>\n
A communication program to explain the peace and reintegration
\nprocess will also be financed.<\/p>\n
Officials said the EU aid would help about 2,000 detainees and
\n3,000 GAM fighters.<\/p>\n
The aid announcement comes a few days before the launch on
\nSept. 15 of an EU-led peace monitoring mission in Aceh.<\/p>\n
The civilian operation includes about 200 officials from the
\nEU, Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand as well
\nas Norway and Switzerland.<\/p>\n
Its key task will be to monitor implementation of the peace
\nagreement signed on Aug. 15 by GAM and the Indonesian government.
\nIt mission will also supervise the demobilization of GAM fighters
\nand the decommissioning of their armaments.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/eu-readies-aid-to-support-peace-process-in-aceh-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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