International monitors upbeat on Aceh peace

Ati Nurbaiti ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Banda Aceh   |  Wed, 10/15/2008 6:28 PM  |  National

A representative of a European Union team monitoring peace efforts in Aceh said Wednesday he felt positive about the outlook for peace in the region.

Despite shortcomings, Juha Christensen said, he was convinced the people of Aceh valued peace highly and would not be deterred by any single incident between separatists and the government.

Christensen was referring to recurring incidents of violence and lethargic progress in resolving sensitive issues such as compensation for victims of conflict and for former militia.

On the same day, Hasan Tiro, former head of the now-disbanded separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM), visited family members in Blang Kumot Tunong village in Sakti district.

Tiro's planned visit to hometown Tiro district, a one time GAM stronghold, where hundreds had gathered to welcome him was cancelled. His plans this week includes a trip to Gunung Halimun area where Tiro declared the movement in 1976.

Tiro's visit has raised fears of increased tension in the wake of a number of violent incidents including kidnappings across the region during the past few months.

Tiro has scheduled a two-week stay in his first visit to his homeland after 30 years. Tiro, now 83, is a Swedish citizen. (dre)

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