Indonesian vice president welcomes rebel ceasefire offer
Indonesia's vice president has welcomed a ceasefire offer by rebels in the devastated Aceh province, saying today that Jakarta would "make efforts" toward keeping peaceful relations as it seeks to rebuild the tsunami-battered region.
“Of course we welcome it. Indonesia will also make efforts toward it,” said Jusuf Kalla.
The exiled leader of the Aceh rebel movement, Malik Mahmud, reaffirmed the rebels’ commitment to a ceasefire they declared on the day of the disaster. Indonesia’s military chief also made a truce offer this week.
Kalla did not mention details of steps taken, saying only: ”We are working on it. We will talk about it when the right time comes.”
The vice president said the most important thing to do was to end the conflict. “Meaning, both parties manage to maintain peace and rehabilitating Aceh.”
