GAM agrees to end fighting in Aceh: Gus Dur
THE HAGUE (JP): President Abdurrahman 'Gus Dur' Wahid announced here on Wednesday that the separatist rebel group Free Aceh Movement (GAM) had agreed to end more than two decades of fighting with Indonesian security forces in the restive province and begin peace talks.
Abdurrahman said the exiled GAM president, Hassan Tiro, approved the truce during negotiations with the Indonesian ambassador to Switzerland.
"In Geneva, Hassan Tiro has held talks with our ambassador and they have agreed to stop the fighting," Abdurrahman told some 300 Indonesian natives who live here.
The rebel commander in Aceh, Tengku Abdullah Syafi'ie, earlier said his forces would be willing to honor a cease-fire if Indonesia's military made the same commitment to putting an end to the violence which has claimed thousands of lives.
Hassan staged a rebellion in Aceh in the 1970s and later fled to Sweden.
President Abdurrahman, who is on a whistlestop European tour, has repeatedly said the bloodshed in Aceh would end by March. Since taking office in October, he has offered to hold a referendum on whether predominantly Muslim Aceh should adopt Islamic law.
While ruling out independence for Aceh, the President has also promised the province more self-rule and a greater share of revenue generated from oil and gas reserves.
He said on Wednesday the situation in Aceh was improving.
"There were some incidents, but the situation is under control now. The opposite process (toward peace) is now underway," President Abdurrahman said.
He said of 12 regencies in Aceh, only three were problematic.
The prospect of peace follows months of growing violence in the province on the northern tip of Sumatra island.
On Wednesday security forces opened fire on rebels in North Aceh killing a GAM leader identified as Mukhtar alias Tar Molen, 30.
The local police chief, Lt. Col. Syafei Aksal, said three police personnel were injured in the exchange of fire between a joint police/military force and rebels in Uteuen Bunta village, Bireun regency.
About 60 houses were burned in the clash, which according to Syafei flared up when 11 rebels intercepted security personnel who were about to raid an adjacent GAM base.
Syafei said the body of Mukhtar was abandoned by his fellow guerrillas.
"His friend took away his gun and fled the scene," Syafei said.
Mukhtar's remains were brought to Cut Meutia Hospital in Lhokseumawe while the three wounded police personnel -- Second Sgt. Irianto, Pvt. Agus Kuncoro and Pvt. Mimban -- were rushed to Lilawangsa Military hospital.
A TT pistol made in China, 11 0.9 millimeter bullets and 5.56 millimeter caliber, a chain roll of ammunition, a walkie talkie and a car registration document were seized.
On the same day, security personnel also raided a GAM base in Ulee Bukit village, North Aceh.
"A rebel opened fire while driving in Blang Pie village near the base and ran away," North Utara Military chief Lt. Col. Suyatno said on Thursday.
Shortly after the attack, some 20 rebels and security personnel engaged in a clash. No fatalities were reported.
The rebels reportedly fled to the jungle as security raided the GAM base and seized six motorbikes, 30 bullets, a magazine for an AK 47 semiautomatic rifle and a pile of documents.
Also on Wednesday in North Aceh, alleged rebels threw grenades into a local government office and a police station, said provincial police spokesman Lt. Col. Sayed Hoesainy. No one was injured in the incidents. (50/51/edt/rms)