Indonesia is to reconcile with rebels

cctv.com 01-15-2005 10:46

Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda has met in Rome with Italian counterpart Gianfranco Fini. This, to discuss post-tsunami challenges, but also high on the agenda are efforts to forge peace with separatists in Banda Aceh. Hassan says Jakarta sees a window of opportunity for reconciliation.

Hassan Wirajuda said: "On the first day of the disaster we were able to reach informal understandings, a kind of gentlemen's agreement with both parties not to launch offensive military actions against another and we are also trying to reinforce by making use of the window of opportunity in this time of tragedy to explore the possibility of further contacts toward reconciliation. Indeed I would like to share with you we have been in contact with the rebel leaders in the field and there is a process behind the scenes on how to strengthen the process toward reconciliation."

Editor:Xiang Jing  Source:CCTV.com