Framework for peace in Aceh

Framework for peace in Aceh

The draft peace deal between the Indonesian government and the
rebel Free Aceh Movement, which has the potential to end a nearly
three-decade-old militancy in the province, marks a bold and wise
step in the search for peace in the troubled country.

The eventual decision to let East Timor, a province Indonesia
annexed in 1976 and ruled with genocidal terror, break free and
emerge as a new, independent country resolved one crisis. The
sound solution for Aceh will be a framework of autonomy without
undermining the territorial integrity of Indonesia.

If the insurgents launch a political party and become elected
representatives of the people, Aceh can provide a model for the
resolution of crises caused by insurgencies and their heavy-
handed suppression.

There is a lesson in all this for the Philippines and
Thailand, which are facing militancy and terrorism in their
southern provinces.
-- The Hindu, Madras