Peace agreement to end hostilities in Aceh signed

Peace agreement to end hostilities in Aceh signed

Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the Indonesian government took a
step forward for peace in Aceh after they signed a cessation of
hostilities agreement which could end the decades long
secessionist conflict.

The nine-article agreement was signed by Jakarta chief
negotiator Wiryono Sastrohandoyo and GAM negotiator Zaini
Abdullah at the Swiss headquarters of the Henri Dunant Centre
(HDC) for Humanitarian Dialog on Monday.

"With the signing of the cessation of hostilities agreement
between the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement, a
victory has already been achieved," Wiryono said as quoted by
AFP.

It is indeed seen as a victory for both sides as the preamble
of the agreement emphasized the acceptance by Nanggroe Aceh
Darussalam of the special autonomy law as a starting point of
further process towards an all-inclusive dialog among Acehnese
figures leading to a free and fair election in 2004 throughout
the province with Acehnese parties which will not need a national
constituency.

Many Acehnese immediately welcomed the agreement and hoped for
a serious commitments from both sides to abide by the deal.

The peace accord, a copy of which was made available to The
Jakarta Post, stipulates that: "Both sides agree that hostilities
and all acts of violence by both sides should cease forever in
Aceh."

"Since both sides have thus agreed that from now on, enmity
between them should be considered as a thing of the past," the
deal stated.

The deal had been in the works for the better part of two
years and has seen ups and downs due to the reluctance from both
sides to negotiate.

The Indonesian government, used stern measures from the
military against GAM, and repeatedly asked for the continuation
of the peace dialog, which was started in 2000.

During a special meeting in Tokyo, attended by representatives
of 23 countries, on Dec. 3 for reconstruction of post-war Aceh
international pressure was increased for a peace agreement to be
reached.

To ensure both sides's commitment, a joint security committee
with representatives from both sides, in addition to a third
external party will be set up as soon as possible.

The deal provides for a two-month grace period for both sides
to observe each other's commitments to peace, by not increasing
military strength and by relocating troops to defensive
positions.

The Joint Security Commission, established in 2000 for the
humanitarian pause agreement, will be reactivated to supervise
peace during the grace period.

Also during the grace period, Jakarta agreed that the police
mobile brigade will not conduct any offensive attacks against the
separatist movement.

After the two-months time, GAM will designate placement sites
for its weapons and the placement will be completed within a
period of five months.

Wiryono said that the key of the weapons sites will be in the
hands of GAM and HDC to prove the government's good intention to
trust the separatist movement.

"The Indonesian Military (TNI) is ready to support the peace
arrangement," SCTV TV station quoted Wiryono as saying after the
signing ceremony.

Both parties also agreed to determine "Peace zones" around the
province in the coming two-months.

One of the key points in the preamble is the preparation of
the All-Inclusive Dialog, to discuss NAD law (or special Autonomy
Law) with all elements of Acehnese society leading to the
election of a democratic government.

POINTS OF CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES AGREEMENT
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NAD law as a starting point for an Acehnese All-Inclusive
dialog towards a democratic election in Aceh.

The election is scheduled for 2004, with the review of NAD law
followed to accommodate people's aspiration.

All acts of violence ceased in Aceh forever.

Activation of Joint Security committee to observe two-months

grace period to ensure peace commitments of both parties.

During the grace period troops from both sides, especially the

Indonesian police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) must relocate to
defensive positions.

No additional troops allowed in the two-months period and non-
organic troops could eventually be withdrawn.

GAM will place its weapons in designated sites after the grace

period.

Peace zones will be determine within two-months

HDC will facilitated the all-inclusive dialog

Joint council, consist of GAM, Jakarta and HDC, will be set to

resolve all issue or dispute arising from the implementation

of agreement.

Law and order "may be entrusted" to third party.

Could lead to compensation and investigation of human rights
abuses since 1976.

Demilitarized areas including public places, schools and
roads.