The Hindu : International : Special autonomy offered for Aceh

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Feb 16, 2005

International

International

Special autonomy offered for Aceh

By P. S. Suryanarayana

SINGAPORE, FEB. 15. The Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, said in Singapore today the separatist rebels of Aceh province had been offered a "solution ... based on the special autonomy status."

Following his discussions with the Singapore Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, on bilateral and regional issues, Mr. Yudhoyono told newspersons he was informed by the Indonesian delegation to the recent first round of "informal talks" with the Aceh rebels in Helsinki that "there is progress, even though it is not much."

Master plan

He said a "master plan" for the reconstruction of the tsunami-swept Aceh would be completed next month. The international community would be sounded out for possible participation in the reconstruction effort.

Without going into the controversial question of the continued presence of some foreign troops including those of the U.S., Australia and Pakistan, in and around Aceh on "emergency relief work" nearly two months after the tsunami-strike, Mr. Yudhoyono said the plan would "maintain the uniqueness of Aceh as one of the Islamic centres with strong culture and traditions."

Extradition treaty

Mr. Lee said Singapore was "committed to concluding an extradition treaty with Indonesia." Noting that "the issues are complicated," he said the two sides had agreed to negotiate "expeditiously" a "good and workable agreement."

Indonesia and Singapore will sign an investment guarantee agreement here on Wednesday.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International