Aceh's endless wait for peace

------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date Place Event ------------------------------------------------------------------------ May 12, 2000 Geneva A three-month Humanitarian Pause is

agreed by the Indonesian government and

Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatist group

(extended until September 2000).

Jan. 6, 2001 Geneva A one-month moratorium on violence is

agreed between the conflicting parties.

July 2, 2001 Geneva Both parties agree to settle the Aceh

question through dialog.

July 21, 2001 Aceh Six GAM negotiators are detained for and

accused of subversion.

Jan. 10, 2002 Jakarta Government decides to revive Iskandar

Muda military command in Aceh.

Jan. 23, 2002 Aceh Indonesian Military (TNI) kills GAM's

armed wing commander Abdullah Syafe'i.

Dec. 9, 2002 Geneva Government and GAM sign the Cessation of

Hostilities Agreement (COHA).

May 18, 2003 Tokyo Last-ditch peace talks fail; GAM rejects

Indonesia's demand to drop its quest for

independence, accept autonomy status for

Aceh and lay down its arms.

May 19, 2003 Jakarta Government implements martial law in Aceh,

carrying out major offensive against GAM

and other operations to enforce the law,

revive the local administration and

local economy, and help people displaced

by the violence.

June 10, 2003 Geneva Government team presents evidence to the

Swedish government against GAM leaders in

exile for allegedly leading a separatist

movement in Indonesia.