Request for GAM to be Disbanded
Tuesday, 25 April, 2006 | 10:21 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Banda Aceh: Javier Solana, the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Policies and Security, has requested that the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) disband or change its name.

GAM has also been requested to transform itself into political party.

The reason for the name change request is due to Indonesia’s territorial integrity.

Solana has requested that GAM change its functions after the Aceh Government Draft Bill comes in effect around the middle of May.

“Or before the regional leaders election,” said Solana in Banda Aceh, yesterday.

He also said that the disbanding of GAM would be a good culmination to the Aceh reconciliation process.

Solana went on to say that this would generate assimilation with members of the general public as well as the democratic process.

He said he had no problems regarding delays over the Aceh Government Draft Bill discussions.

“It doesn't matter because these are technical matters,” Solana said.

According to him, the peace process in Aceh is going well and any delays will not disrupt it.

In addition, Indonesia wants to accommodate Acehnese aspirations in the bill.

Adi Warsidi