Why is it so hard to make peace?

Why is it so hard to make peace?

From Pelita

Why is it so hard for the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) to respond
to an offer of peace? Most Indonesians want to see a peaceful
settlement to the bloody conflict in Aceh.

Indonesian soldiers have been besieging a swampy area in Cot
Trieng, North Aceh, which is believed to be a hideout for GAM
members, to push them to the negotiating table. Unfortunately,
the GAM commander in Pase, Tengku Sofyan Dawood, has challenged
the Indonesian Military by stating that the surrounded GAM rebels
are prepared to fight the Indonesian soldiers.

GAM should have responded positively to the offer of peace
from the Indonesian government. So far, Indonesian soldiers have
shown great patience and have not been provoked by GAM
statements.

If violence is pursued, the Acehnese people will surely be
victimized. GAM should quickly state its readiness to negotiate a
peace deal with the Indonesian government. This is the only way
to avoid more bloodshed and ensure that the Aceh conflict is
peacefully resolved.

PURWADIJO, Bogor, West Java