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Bush Hails Decision by Indonesia to Resume Aceh Talks

(Bush praises Indonesia's Megawati for her commitment to peace) (320)
President Bush hailed the decision taken by Indonesia's government and
the leadership of the Free Aceh Movement to resume talks in Tokyo this
weekend regarding the implementation of a ceasefire agreement between
the two sides in the struggle over Aceh.
In a May 15 statement, Bush said he commended Indonesia's President
Megawati for "demonstrating her government's commitment to the Aceh
peace process and for her willingness to go the extra mile in pursuit
of peace."
Following is the text of the statement, as released by the White
House:
(begin text)
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
May 15, 2003
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
The United States welcomes the decision of the Government of Indonesia
and the leadership of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) to resume
discussions in Tokyo this weekend aimed at implementing the December
2002 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA) between Indonesia and
the GAM. The United States strongly supports efforts to pursue a
negotiated peace in Aceh within the framework of a unified Indonesia.
I commend President Megawati for demonstrating her government's
commitment to the Aceh peace process and for her willingness to go the
extra mile in pursuit of peace. In returning to the negotiating table,
the two sides are taking a concrete step toward a better future for
the people of Aceh. I call on the leadership of the GAM to renew its
commitment to a peaceful solution in Aceh and for both sides to pursue
good faith implementation of the COHA. The United States appreciates
the determined efforts of the Henri Dunant Center to advance the cause
of peace and justice for Aceh. I also wish to thank Prime Minister
Koizumi and the Government of Japan for hosting the negotiations
between Indonesia and the GAM and taking an active leadership role in
this process.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)