National

TNI Commander Bans GAM Search Operation
Sunday, 24 July, 2005 | 10:57 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Lhokseumawe:Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander General Endriartono Sutarto has banned troops from conducting search operations for members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM).

According to Sutarto, this instruction was given before the peace agreement between the government and the GAM, which shall be signed on August 15.

After giving a briefing to 43 TNI officers in Lhokseumawe, North Aceh, on Friday (22/07), the TNI Commander said that following the signing of the peace agreement, his instruction would be re-established and made more detailed.

“However, we will not allow the GAM to continue conducting any activity that might disturb security and the public’s sense of safety,” stated Sutarto.

As for the TNI troop withdrawal from Aceh, the TNI Commander said that this would be conducted after the signing of the agreement and the handing over of GAM weapons.

As regards this, Sutarto said he hoped that the GAM would have good intentions to settle the problems in Aceh permanently and thoroughly.

“This must be carried out by both the TNI and the GAM,” stated the TNI Commander.

Asked about the number of TNI troops to be withdrawn, Sutarto said that this would be discussed in detail before the signing of the peace agreement.

According to the TNI Commander, the most important thing is that the withdrawal of the troops shall be carried out together with the handing over of the GAM weapons.

Sutarto said that the handing over of the GAM weapons must be settled within a three to six-month period.
Every month, the GAM must hand over one-third of its weapons.

At the same time, the TNI will also withdraw one-third of its non-organic troops. (Imran MA-Tempo News Room)