GAM's credibility

GAM's credibility

From Media Indonesia

The Indonesian government's attempt to free soon television
cameraman Ferry Santoro and around 70 others now being held
hostage by the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) deserves appreciation.

In this case, the safety of the hostages should be given
priority and the political interests of both parties be
temporarily brushed aside, so that no conditions or concessions
in any form are imposed on the negotiations.

The process of talks for the prompt and peaceful release of
all hostages needs to be closely observed. The involvement of the
International Red Cross in this release effort is politically
favorable to GAM because the world community will also monitor
its developments.

Therefore, GAM should demand no terms and make no excuses to
delay the release while the safety of the prisoners is under the
responsibility of the separatist movement. If this attempt fails,
GAM will gain more notoriety for lacking consistency by deceiving
civilians into serving as human shields for its political
objectives.

A RIZAL SEPTIAN
Bekasi, West Java