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