GAM issue must be settled<\/p>\n
From Republika<\/p>\n
In less than a month, Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement
\n(GAM) will again meet for talks in Helsinki, Finland. Indonesia
\nhas the same team comprising Coordinating Minister for Political,
\nLegal and Security Affairs Widodo Adi Sucipto, Minister of
\nJustice and Human Rights Hamid Awaluddin and State Minister of
\nCommunications and Information Sofyan Djalil.<\/p>\n
As in the first talks on Jan. 27 and Jan. 29, the facilitator
\nis the Crisis Management Initiative under former Finnish
\npresident Martti Ahtisaari. It is not known whether GAM's team
\nremains unchanged, made up of Malik Mahmood and Zaini Abdullah.<\/p>\n
The second round may be necessary for one of two reasons:
\nFirst, the previous meeting was promising and thus requires a
\nprompt follow-up; and second, there has been a sudden change that
\nrisks earlier expectations, so they have to meet again.<\/p>\n
In the first round, there were indications of some
\ndifficulties. However, it must be admitted that a second meeting
\nwithin less than a month suggests some progress. Any form of
\nnegotiation between belligerent parties reflects goodwill for
\nsettlement.<\/p>\n
Indonesia's basic agenda for the talks is based on special
\nautonomy and the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia
\n(NKRI). GAM's basic attitude has not shown fundamental changes
\nyet. By choosing to hold talks abroad, GAM in fact sticks to its
\nstruggle for Aceh's freedom from the Republic of Indonesia. The
\ntsunami disaster has apparently not altered its bargaining
\nposition.<\/p>\n
Therefore, we should have the courage to change the way that
\nAceh affairs are approached. From the viewpoint that GAM is the
\nproblem of Aceh, the issue must be settled in Aceh and the group
\nrepresented by its figures in Aceh.<\/p>\n
T. DAUD YUSUF
\nJakarta<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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