Vanuatu recognizes Aceh<\/p>\n
From Media Indonesia<\/p>\n
On our Independence Day, Aug. 17, this year we were caught by
\nsurprise when reading a report that the government of Vanuatu --
\na small nation in the South Pacific -- had formally recognized
\nthe Free Aceh state, with the legitimate rulers being what we
\nknow as the Free Aceh Movement (GAM).<\/p>\n
Diplomatic relations have therefore been established between
\nthe Republic of Vanuatu and the State of Aceh. As a high-ranking
\nofficial of GAM in Sweden, Zaini Abdullah, has said the State of
\nAceh has its representative office in Port Vila, the capital of
\nVanuatu.<\/p>\n
I wonder what prompted Vanuatu to go ahead with this policy,
\nbecause Indonesia generally maintains good diplomatic relations
\nwith all South Pacific states.<\/p>\n
On this score, the Indonesian government must be proactive in
\napproaching Vanuatu as well as the Australian government so that
\nwhat Vanuatu has done will not become a precedent for other South
\nPacific states. As the South Pacific states are heavily dependent
\non Australia, a good approach to Australia is a necessity.<\/p>\n
If the government of Vanuatu sticks by its decision to
\nestablish diplomatic relations with Aceh, Indonesia must take
\nfirm action against Vanuatu. It may, for example close Vanuatu's
\nrepresentative office in Jakarta. The government must take
\nappropriate action to ensure that Aceh will remain within the
\nUnitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.<\/p>\n
KRISDIYANSAH
\n Jakarta<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/vanuatu-recognizes-aceh-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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