Friday, May 2, 2008
Aceh More Peaceful, US Envoy Says
Source: Antara News

Banda Aceh (ANTARA News) - Conditions in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD) province have begun to become more peaceful now, almost three years after the government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) signed their peace agreement in Helsinki, Finland, US Ambassador to Indonesia Cameron R Hume said here on Friday.

"Aceh is getting more peaceful and I am optimistic the situation in the province will get even better in the days ahead," Hume said in his comments on the present situation in Aceh.

The US envoy made the statement after a meeting with Commission on Sustaining Peace in Aceh (CoSPA) chairman Azwar Abubakar to discuss the peace process in the province.

The meeting was held at the residence of Azwar Abubakar, a former Aceh governor, on Jalan Sudirman in Banda Aceh.

Hume said Aceh was moving towards a better future because of its democratically-elected governor, its improved political system, abundant resources and budget.

He said the situation in Aceh had changed significantly and therefore it would be easier for the local people to make progress.

Asked to comment on the fact that since the signing of the Helsinki peace accord criminal activity with the use of fire arms had increased in Aceh, Hume simply said the perpetrators should be sent to prison.

Hume said people in Aceh should no longer resort to any kind of violence and everyone should be encouraged to uphold the existing laws and shun armed conflict.

Meanwhile, Azwar Abubakar said he and Hume at their meeting discussed the many positive things which had been achieved in Aceh as well as problems that could arise in the province in the future.

"We also discussed issues related to Aceh’s economy," Abubakar said.