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Clinton Considers Progress Made in Aceh Reconstruction
Thursday, 01 December, 2005 | 02:24 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Banda Aceh:Former US president Bill Clinton re-visited Aceh on Wednesday (30/11).

Clinton, the United Nations Special Representative for Tsunami Recovery, said he considered that there has been progress in the reconstruction process in Aceh.

The former US president arrived at midday at Iskandar Muda airport, Aceh Besar, and visited several refugee barracks in Lampuuk, Kajhu and Cot Paya villages.

“I feel happy to see the changes that have taken place during the reconstruction,” Clinton told reporters in Barak Kajhu.

During a press conference held at Iskandar Muda airport on Wednesday afternoon, Clinton said that he had seen real progress following last year’s tsunami disaster.

He added that this progress was related to the peace agreement in Aceh.

According to Clinton, the availability of homes still remains the main priority because more than 100,000 houses were destroyed by the tsunami.

Up to now, various efforts have been made to remove people from emergency tents and houses to temporary shelters are longer lasting.

Meanwhile, the construction of permanent houses must continue.

Commenting on the political situation in Aceh, Clinton said that overall peace efforts in Aceh were continuing well.

The long-term vision of development in Aceh will depend on peaceful resolution of the conflict that lasted for three decades.

Following the press conference, Clinton left for Belgium where he will later report on his findings to the European Commission.

Clinton’s visit to Aceh on Wednesday was his third this year, with his second on May 30, and his first together with former US president George Bush on February 20.
(Adi Warsidi-Tempo News Room)