Australian envoy visits Aceh

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Richard C. Smith completed on Tuesday a two-day visit to Aceh, where he held talks with government and independent leaders to obtain more knowledge about the restive province.

Shortly upon his arrival on Monday, Smith met with Governor Abdullah Puteh at the latter's official residence for one hour. There was no official statement on the content of the talks, but sources close to the provincial administration said the two figures discussed the development of the peace process and the implementation of the special autonomy status in Aceh.

Prior to the visit with the governor, Smith met with leaders of the provincial legislature and local independent organizations, including editors of Serambi Indonesia daily.

Spokesman for the provincial administration Pungi Arianto said on Tuesday that Smith wrapped up his Aceh trip with a meeting with leaders of state Syah Kuala University and Iskandar Muda Military commander Brig. Gen. Djali Yusuf. -- JP