RI-GAM peace talks may end in deadlock

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)