RI-GAM peace talks may end in deadlock

BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Entering a third day on Wednesday, talks between representatives of the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) appeared to be heading toward a deadlock.

A reliable source told The Jakarta Post that as of Wednesday afternoon the meeting, which took place at Kuala Tripa Hotel here, failed to reach agreement on the steering committee that was expected to further facilitate political dialog involving the Acehnese community.

Previously both sides agreed to set up a new Joint Committee on Democracy Council (KBKD) that would identify a proper format for a peaceful solution to problems in Aceh.

The source said the government, represented by Sr. Comr. Ridhwan Karim, revealed on Wednesday afternoon that the formation of the steering committee had been entrusted to the KBKD, but GAM insisted that the appointment of a steering committee must be done through the Joint Committee on Security Affairs (KBMK).

The government rejected GAM's suggestion as the Joint Committee on Security Affairs has been suspended since July 5.

The government has named three representatives for the joint democracy council, namely officer Ridhwan, Col. Johan Basar of the Indonesian Military and a civilian figure named Syarifuddin Latif, the source further said.

When asked about the matter by the Post, GAM spokesman in the talks, Amni Ahmad Marzuki, refused to comment.

"The meeting is not over yet. We will make a statement once it is clear," Amni said.

In a fresh outbreak of violence, at least seven people were killed in a series of incidents in Aceh on Tuesday, officials and humanitarian activists said.

Indonesian Military (TNI) spokesman for Aceh Law and Order Operation Lt. Col. Firdaus said that four of the seven fatalities were identified as GAM rebels.

The four rebels died in separate clashes with security forces in three locations, namely East Aceh, Aceh Besar and South Aceh, he said.

Among the four killed was Yusuf Kontrek, a known GAM commander in Tamiang. Yusuf died in a gunfight in East Aceh.

Meanwhile, three civilians were killed in two separate incidents in South Aceh and North Aceh.

Officials said the victims were shot dead by rebels. Among the civilian fatalities was Teuku Cut Husin, a village chief who was shot dead at his house in Bineh Krueng village in Tangan-Tangan district, South Aceh.

GAM spokesman in Banda Aceh, Ayah Sofyan, admitted that one of his men was killed in a gunfight with security forces near Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport on Tuesday, but charged that the remaining casualties were civilians killed by the military. (50/edt)