Peace Deal Between Indonesia And Separatists
Annan Welcomes Preliminary Peace Deal Between Indonesia And Ache Separatists
New York, Jul 18 2005
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today warmly welcomed the preliminary peace agreement reached yesterday between the Government of Indonesia and the separatist Free Aceh Movement, intended to end nearly 30 years of conflict in the province.
"The Secretary-General commends both sides for
their determination to reach a lasting and sustainable peace
in Aceh and strongly urges them to demonstrate continued
resolve and commitment throughout the implementation of the
agreed terms," said a
It said that Mr.
Annan looks forward to the signing by the parties of the
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the tentative deal on
15 August, and hopes this breakthrough heralds a new and
brighter future for the people of Aceh. "He also applauds
the crucial role played by [former Finnish president] Mr.
Martti Ahtisaari as the mediator in these negotiations," the
statement said, adding that Mr. Annan is encouraged to learn
of the readiness of the European Union (EU), and possibly
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to provide a
monitoring team in Aceh once the MOU is official.
ENDS