[b]GAM's credibility

GAM's credibility and hostage release

From Media Indonesia

The Indonesian government's attempt to free soon television cameraman Ferry Santoro and around 70 others now being held hostage by the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) deserves appreciation.

In this case, the safety of the hostages should be given priority and the political interests of both parties be temporarily brushed aside, so that no conditions or concessions in any form are imposed on the negotiations.

The process of talks for the prompt and peaceful release of all hostages needs to be closely observed. The involvement of the International Red Cross in this release effort is politically favorable to GAM because the world community will also monitor its developments.

Therefore, GAM should demand no terms and make no excuses to delay the release while the safety of the prisoners is under the responsibility of the separatist movement. If this attempt fails, GAM will gain more notoriety for lacking consistency by deceiving civilians into serving as human shields for its political objectives.

A RIZAL SEPTIAN Bekasi, West Java