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Government Once Again Rejects Establishment of Local Political Parties in Aceh
Thursday, 14 July, 2005 | 21:19 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:The Indonesian government is still discussing the request of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) to manage its own political party in Aceh.

According to Indonesian Vice President Muhammad Jusuf Kalla, the fifth round of talks on Aceh is still being held in Helsinki, Finland.

“The government still retains its position on the framework of a unitary state,” Kalla told reporters at the Borobudur Hotel, Jakarta, on Thursday (14/07).

The discussion on political parties, the Vice President said, must be directed to the unitary state concept.
Kalla was convinced that the government and the GAM would be able to reach a better solution.

He said hoped that both parties would be able to reach a concrete agreement based on the schedule in the run-up to Indonesian independence day celebrations.

“We’re discussing current drafts at the moment,” stated Kalla.

He went on to say that up to now, both parties have agreed to conduct five informal meetings and one formal meeting.

During this formal meeting, the final solution for settling the matter of separatism in Aceh can be reached.

“We all just have to pray,” stated Kalla. (Budiriza-Tempo News Room)