Aceh representatives put forward model for self-government

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Representatives of the Indonesian government and the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) have reached preliminary agreement on arrangements for economic ties between the two sides, said GAM spokesman Abdullah Bakhtiar to Reuters News Agency on Thursday.
      However, no agreements were signed yet at the talks held in Vantaa.
      Maria-Elena Cowell of the Crisis Management Initiative (CMI) organisation headed by former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari confirmed that progress had been made at the talks. The atmosphere was said to be positive, and not merely constructive.
     
The GAM representatives also put forward their model for self-government, which the Indonesian government is now considering.
      "According to Indonesia, the proposals would require changes in its constitution, which means that this will be difficult", said GAM advisor Damien Kingsbury.
      No details of the model of self-government have been given out, but problem areas mentioned by Kingsbury include the issue of changing the name of Aceh, the status of the local people and Aceh’s political parties, questions concerning legislation, and the holding of local elections in the province.
      Under present law, only national parties are allowed to take part in elections in Indonesia.
     
The negotiations are to continue through Sunday, after which CMI will present a summary of this third round of talks.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Aceh negotiators meet without mediators (14.4.2005)

Helsingin Sanomat