Aceh, Indonesia sign peace pact

GENEVA - Indonesia and separatist Aceh rebels signed a landmark peace accord yesterday aimed at ending two decades of violence in which thousands have died.

The pact was mediated by the Geneva-based Henri Dunant Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue.

Chief negotiators Wiryono Sastrohandoyo for Indonesia and Zaini Abdullah for the rebel Free Aceh Movement (GAM) signed it at a ceremony in the Swiss city attended by Western diplomats.

The deal calls for a ceasefire and elections in the oil- and gas-rich province at the northern tip of Sumatra.

It also stipulates that a monitoring team made up of rebel, Indonesian and foreign representatives will ensure that the ceasefire holds.

Past attempts to end violence have failed, but analysts say the Geneva deal has more chance of success because of strong international support and the desire of President Megawati Sukarnoputri's Government to show progress toward stability.

- REUTERS

Herald feature: Indonesia and East Timor