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083/HMS/II/01 Press Release NEW SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS AND DEMOCRATIC
CONSULTATIONS Representatives of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the Leadership of the Free Aceh Movement agreed to new security arrangements and a process of democratic consultations reflecting their commitment to seek a peaceful and democratic resolution to the conflict In Aceh. This occurred during direct talks at the first meeting of their Joint Council on Political Dialogue in Switzerland on 15 and 16 February 2001. The Joint Council noted that, despite the continuing and regrettable violence during the one-month moratorium agreed to in January, the number of violent incidents in Aceh has actually decreased from 259 in the previous month to 58. They were greatly encouraged by the first ever meeting of field commanders from both sides, which took place in Banda Aceh on 9 and 10 February. That meeting produced a detailed, practical agreement to reduce violence between their forces. It also established a "hot line" for contact at the highest operational levels to prevent incidents of violence; the "hot line" has since come into frequent use. The moratorium, which elapsed on 15 February, has been replaced by new security arrangements to further reduce the levels of violence. Those security arrangements will continue indefinitely with periodic reviews. The Joint Council authorized regular field commander meetings to take place at all levels in Aceh and their expansion to include the Indonesian Police and Armed Forces as well as operational commanders of the Free Aceh Movement. The Joint Council also agreed to organize a series of preliminary and informal consultations as part of a broader process of democratic political consultation in Aceh involving various sectors of society, on issues affecting their future. This meeting of the Joint Council represent the continuation of a longterm political dialogue and confidence building process intended to bring about a peaceful solution to the situation in Aceh. February 16 2001. ENDS For further enquiries please contact
Free Aceh Movement Source: Permanent Mission of Indonesia to the United Nations, Geneva
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