Minister calls for pause extension

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Minister of Human Right Affairs Hasballah M. Saad said there was a need to extend the humanitarian pause in the province "as violence here has been reduced in quantity in the past couple of months".

"Since the enactment of the three-month humanitarian pause on June 2, there have been significant changes to the economic and social life of people here.

"I think the activities are getting back to normal bit by bit," Hasballah announced on the sidelines of the celebration marking the Prophet Muhammad's birthday in Meulaboh, West Aceh, on Thursday evening.

The minister also said the Joint Forum in Geneva was also discussing the possibility of extending the three-month accord.

"Both sides (the government and the Free Aceh Movement separatists) share positive views about this," he added. (50/edt)