Indonesia Gov't, Rebels Discuss Amnesty

[maddezmom]

By MATTI HUUHTANEN, Associated Press Writer
7 minutes ago



HELSINKI, Finland - Indonesian government and rebel negotiators discussed proposals for amnesty and self-government Sunday in the fourth day of talks in Finland aimed at ending the decades-old separatist conflict in Aceh province, the Finnish mediator's office said.

The talks were upbeat and progress was reported between the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement, said Maria-Elena Cowell, a spokeswoman for former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari. A peace process that failed in 2003 was revived under the Ahtisaari's mediation after last year's Asian tsunami brought the two sides together.

"The talks are constructive. They are advancing," Cowell said.

The current round of talks ends Tuesday.

Sunday's topics included proposals by the Free Aceh Movement for amnesty to rebels and self-government. Previously, the rebels had demanded full independence, but have agreed to opt for a form of self-government at the Finland brokered-talks, mediators said.

~snip~
more: http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050530/ap_on_re_as/indonesia_aceh_talks_1

[oblivious]

1. It's all about oil and gas, as so many conflicts and wars are.

Aceh Province provides an estimated 30% of Indonesia's total oil and gas exports or 11% of the country's total exports. The country is the world's largest producer of liquid natural gas.

http://www.vic-info.org/RegionsTop.nsf/0/4ee98de7ef0993768a25684e000f12df?OpenDocument