No.202/HMS/XII/01

Press Release

FACTIONS AGREE ON DECLARATION OF PEACE
IN POSO, CENTRAL SULAWESI

The Government-sponsored peace talks held in Malino, Poso, Central Sulawesi agreed upon a Declaration of Peace to end the conflict on Thursday, 20 December 2001. Both factions comprising religious and tribal leaders including field commanders of the rival camps signed the agreement called “Malino Declaration”.

Witnessing the signing were Coordinating Minister for People’s Welfare Jusuf Kalla who has been acting as mediator in the peace talks, South Sulawesi Governor HZB Palaguna, Central Sulawesi Governor Aminuddin Panulele and Maj. Gen Achmad Yahha, Chief of the Wirabuana Military Command which covers the entire island of Sulawesi.

Minister Jusuf Kalla read the 10 points delineated in the agreement. These state that the two sides have promised to cease all conflicts and disputes; abide by the due process of law; request that the state take firm and impartial measures against all violators; reject civil emergency status and interference from foreigners and outsiders; and reinstate property to their rightful owners.

The two factions also agreed to set up two joint commissions in the immediate future. One is to deal with law and order while the other will address social and economic conditions. The contents of the Malino Declaration will be disseminated to the people by the Law and Order Commission between 21 December and 6 January 2002. It also will be made available to the returning refugees between 7 February and 7 March 2002. In addition, legal cases will be processed  between 7 February 2002 and for a period of 5 months following the latter date.

A delegation named Johannes Santos from one of the factions said he was optimistic that peace would finally arrive in Poso. "We all are very happy that we can forgive each other," and in the same tone Yahya al-Hamrie, another faction group member said that the declaration is a step forward. "We are all grateful that we are working to end the conflict, and this should finally achieve peace”.                                                            

                                                                               New York, 20 December 2001