Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on Indonesia (Aceh)

The Secretary-General is disappointed that, after two days of meetings in Tokyo, the Government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement failed to reach agreement to resume implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA), which they signed in December 2002. Despite setbacks in its implementation, the Agreement had brought real improvement in the daily life of the population in Aceh. The Secretary-General is accordingly deeply concerned about reports of renewed fighting in Aceh with the imposition of martial law in the province. He remains convinced of the need to resolve the problems in Aceh peacefully, in a manner consistent with the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Indonesia. The Secretary-General therefore urges all parties concerned to do their utmost to restore the peace process in Aceh.