Call in the Indonesian Ambassador (Acting)

The Indonesia Human Rights Committee has faxed an appeal to the Prime Minister urging her to call in the Indonesian Ambassador (Acting) to the Beehive so that Indonesia is left in no doubt of New Zealand's strong opposition to the military assault on the Aceh.

"Now that Indonesia has turned its back on the path of peaceful negotiation in favour of a massive military operation, New Zealand must make its position crystal clear. New Zealand should insist on a return to the negotiating table and that all sectors of Aceh society be involved in fresh discussions."

"This Aceh war is being likened to the 1975 invasion of East Timor in its scale. Back then the Generals said they could 'crush' their opposition in 6 months, but a 24 year genocidal war followed. It is a tragic irony that one of the Generals responsible for the final maelstrom of violence in East Timor - Major General Adam Damiri - is working on the destruction of Aceh when he should be before the Jakarta Human Rights Court to facing up to his East Timor crimes."

"The people of Aceh have barely had any respite from nearly 3 decades of continuous war. The cost has been born largely by the civilian population -up to 20,000 have been killed and tens of thousands more tortured and 'disappeared'. They are never consulted at the negotiations and many leaders of the non-violent democratic movement languish in jail for daring to express support for self-determination and for a referendum."

"Now is the time for New Zealand to draw on its nuclear free reputation and make an unequivocal stand for peace. The lives of innocent people in Aceh depend on the growing international campaign to avert further tragedy."

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