EU readies aid to support peace process in Aceh
EU readies aid to support peace process in Aceh
Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Brussels
The European Commission (EC) on Friday said it was releasing four million euros (US$5.1 million) to help reintegrate former political prisoners and Free Aceh Movement (GAM) fighters into civilian life in the province.
The European Union (EU) executive arm also said it had approved 38 million euros to help reconstruction activities following the devastation caused by last December's tsunami.
Officials said EU aid in support of peace in Aceh would be followed up with further assistance worth up to 12 million euros to help train local police - including former GAM combatants - set up a human rights court and preparation for elections in Aceh set for April 2006.
"We are ready to commit further funds to support the Indonesian authorities in implementing a lasting peace in the province," said European external relations chief Benita Ferrero- Waldner.
"A successful demobilization and reintegration of GAM members will be a key factor to achieve lasting peace," she said, adding: "Reintegrating former combatants in their communities is our priority today."
The four million-euro aid package will focus on providing medical screening and a minimal subsistence allowance to former GAM members and their families for six months.
A communication program to explain the peace and reintegration process will also be financed.
Officials said the EU aid would help about 2,000 detainees and 3,000 GAM fighters.
The aid announcement comes a few days before the launch on Sept. 15 of an EU-led peace monitoring mission in Aceh.
The civilian operation includes about 200 officials from the EU, Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand as well as Norway and Switzerland.
Its key task will be to monitor implementation of the peace agreement signed on Aug. 15 by GAM and the Indonesian government. It mission will also supervise the demobilization of GAM fighters and the decommissioning of their armaments.