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Government Answers GAM Proposal
Wednesday, 18 May, 2005 | 17:22 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:The Indonesian government has sent an answer to the leader of Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in Sweden.

“We have written answers and sent our response regarding the GAM proposal,” said Indonesian Minister of Communication and Information Sofyan Djalil after a meeting with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Monday (16/05).

During the last meeting held in Helsinki, GAM proposed several questions and requests to the Indonesian government.

According to Djalil, there are several important matters to be discussed such as the decision of the name and the natural resources management in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD) province related to GAM’s hope to have the opportunity of conducting its own administration.

According to Djalil, several points in this proposal shall be consulted further with the House of Representatives (DPR).

Djalil said that the Indonesian government is committed to settle the problem of Aceh.

Proof of this commitment, he stated, is the government’s plan to revoke the civil state of emergency in Aceh.

The fourth meeting between Indonesian and the GAM delegation is scheduled to take place on May 26.

As usual, the meeting, facilitated by former Finnish President Maarti Ahtisaari, shall take place in Helsinki, the capital city of Finland.

According to Djalil, there is the possibility that the talks between the two delegations in Helsinki could change into a more formal format.

“This might take place if the two delegations reach a clear agreement,” stated Djalil. (Sunariah-Tempo News Room)