Peace agreement to end hostilities in Aceh signed<\/p>\n
Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
The Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the Indonesian government took a
\nstep forward for peace in Aceh after they signed a cessation of
\nhostilities agreement which could end the decades long
\nsecessionist conflict.<\/p>\n
The nine-article agreement was signed by Jakarta chief
\nnegotiator Wiryono Sastrohandoyo and GAM negotiator Zaini
\nAbdullah at the Swiss headquarters of the Henri Dunant Centre
\n(HDC) for Humanitarian Dialog on Monday.<\/p>\n
\"With the signing of the cessation of hostilities agreement
\nbetween the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement, a
\nvictory has already been achieved,\" Wiryono said as quoted by
\nAFP.<\/p>\n
It is indeed seen as a victory for both sides as the preamble
\nof the agreement emphasized the acceptance by Nanggroe Aceh
\nDarussalam of the special autonomy law as a starting point of
\nfurther process towards an all-inclusive dialog among Acehnese
\nfigures leading to a free and fair election in 2004 throughout
\nthe province with Acehnese parties which will not need a national
\nconstituency.<\/p>\n
Many Acehnese immediately welcomed the agreement and hoped for
\na serious commitments from both sides to abide by the deal.<\/p>\n
The peace accord, a copy of which was made available to The
\nJakarta Post, stipulates that: \"Both sides agree that hostilities
\nand all acts of violence by both sides should cease forever in
\nAceh.\"<\/p>\n
\"Since both sides have thus agreed that from now on, enmity
\nbetween them should be considered as a thing of the past,\" the
\ndeal stated.<\/p>\n
The deal had been in the works for the better part of two
\nyears and has seen ups and downs due to the reluctance from both
\nsides to negotiate.<\/p>\n
The Indonesian government, used stern measures from the
\nmilitary against GAM, and repeatedly asked for the continuation
\nof the peace dialog, which was started in 2000.<\/p>\n
During a special meeting in Tokyo, attended by representatives
\nof 23 countries, on Dec. 3 for reconstruction of post-war Aceh
\ninternational pressure was increased for a peace agreement to be
\nreached.<\/p>\n
To ensure both sides's commitment, a joint security committee
\nwith representatives from both sides, in addition to a third
\nexternal party will be set up as soon as possible.<\/p>\n
The deal provides for a two-month grace period for both sides
\nto observe each other's commitments to peace, by not increasing
\nmilitary strength and by relocating troops to defensive
\npositions.<\/p>\n
The Joint Security Commission, established in 2000 for the
\nhumanitarian pause agreement, will be reactivated to supervise
\npeace during the grace period.<\/p>\n
Also during the grace period, Jakarta agreed that the police
\nmobile brigade will not conduct any offensive attacks against the
\nseparatist movement.<\/p>\n
After the two-months time, GAM will designate placement sites
\nfor its weapons and the placement will be completed within a
\nperiod of five months.<\/p>\n
Wiryono said that the key of the weapons sites will be in the
\nhands of GAM and HDC to prove the government's good intention to
\ntrust the separatist movement.<\/p>\n
\"The Indonesian Military (TNI) is ready to support the peace
\narrangement,\" SCTV TV station quoted Wiryono as saying after the
\nsigning ceremony.<\/p>\n
Both parties also agreed to determine \"Peace zones\" around the
\nprovince in the coming two-months.<\/p>\n
One of the key points in the preamble is the preparation of
\nthe All-Inclusive Dialog, to discuss NAD law (or special Autonomy
\nLaw) with all elements of Acehnese society leading to the
\nelection of a democratic government.<\/p>\n
POINTS OF CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES AGREEMENT
\n------------------------------------------------------------------<\/p>\n
NAD law as a starting point for an Acehnese All-Inclusive
\ndialog towards a democratic election in Aceh.<\/p>\n
The election is scheduled for 2004, with the review of NAD law
\nfollowed to accommodate people's aspiration.<\/p>\n
All acts of violence ceased in Aceh forever.<\/p>\n
Activation of Joint Security committee to observe two-months<\/p>\n
grace period to ensure peace commitments of both parties.<\/p>\n
During the grace period troops from both sides, especially the<\/p>\n
Indonesian police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) must relocate to
\ndefensive positions.<\/p>\n
No additional troops allowed in the two-months period and non-
\norganic troops could eventually be withdrawn.<\/p>\n
GAM will place its weapons in designated sites after the grace<\/p>\n
period.<\/p>\n
Peace zones will be determine within two-months<\/p>\n
HDC will facilitated the all-inclusive dialog<\/p>\n
Joint council, consist of GAM, Jakarta and HDC, will be set to<\/p>\n
resolve all issue or dispute arising from the implementation<\/p>\n
of agreement.<\/p>\n
Law and order \"may be entrusted\" to third party.<\/p>\n
Could lead to compensation and investigation of human rights
\nabuses since 1976.<\/p>\n
Demilitarized areas including public places, schools and
\nroads.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/peace-agreement-to-end-hostilities-in-aceh-signed-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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