Albright pledges aid to support Aceh peace pact

Albright pledges aid to support Aceh peace pact

WASHINGTON (AFP): United States Secretary of State Madeleine Albright hailed last week's accord between Indonesia and separatist rebels in Aceh, pledging U.S. humanitarian aid to support the pact.

But Albright -- speaking to reporters at a joint news conference with Alwi Shihab, her visiting Indonesian counterpart -- stressed that the deal, concluded Friday outside Geneva, was only an initial move towards a lasting peace in the province.

"The May 12 agreement is an important first step, but sustainable resolution of the conflict will require a comprehensive political settlement which addresses the core grievances which have (aggravated) conflict in the province," Albright said.

The deal, due to come into effect on June 2 and set to last for an initial period of three months, deserved support from the international community, Albright said.

The U.S. secretary of state praised both Jakarta and the rebel Free Aceh Movement (GAM) for their willingness to embark on the path of peace.

"This is a genuine act of political courage on both sides and represents the best chance in over 24 years to end a conflict which has caused profound suffering and cost thousands of lives," Albright said, announcing the donation of an as-yet unspecified amount of U.S. humanitarian aid.

"We call on Indonesia's friends in the international community to join us in this endeavor so we can help create an atmosphere in which this humanitarian pause can become a permanent peace," she added.

Those hopes however have been tempered by statements that the rebels are still committed to the long-term goal of independence, something Jakarta opposes.

Both ministers stressed that the solution in Aceh must be based on the idea that the province remains part of Indonesia.

"The United States supports dialog aimed at achieving justice and peace in Aceh within the context of a united, democratic Indonesia," Albright said.

Alwi noted that Jakarta had continually made clear its demand for territorial integrity as part of a long-term solution.

"We have emphasized the territorial integrity of Indonesia as has been supported by the United States," he said.

"This is a historic event for the Indonesian people as well as the Acehnese people that at last we have succeeded in laying the foundation for a peaceful settlement in Aceh as well as in the region," he added.