GAM wants end to conflict

GAM wants end to conflict

I would like to correct some errors in Santoso's article on
April 20 on the current rounds of peace talks between the Free
Aceh Movement (GAM) and the Indonesian government.

Santoso implies there is no acceptance of a cease-fire.
Indeed, an end to the conflict is the principle aim of the
negotiations. The Crisis Management Initiative (CMI) has
repeatedly called for both parties to use utmost restraint on
their forces, and of course any agreement will include a
separation of combatant parties.

Santoso also quotes, although without source, the assertion
that external monitors to any agreed process will not be "foreign
troops". Given that the monitors to the previous agreement were
from regional militaries, and that any such monitors will require
military experience, I think Santoso is at least partially
incorrect on this point.

Finally, Santoso suggests that GAM is seeking the
establishment of "a local political party". In fact, GAM is
seeking the democratic right of all people to form political
parties, regardless of size or location. The expectation is
that should agreement be reached, Aceh will have multiple
political parties.

This final point may or may not require a legislative change.
But given so much has been changed to promote democratization in
Indonesia since 1998, this further possible change should be seen
within the context of democratization and of promoting a
sustainable peace.

DAMIEN KINGSBURY, Adviser to GAM Delegation to the Helsinki Peace Talks