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.