---------------------------------------------------------- FREE for JOIN Indonesia Daily News Online via EMAIL: go to: http://www.indo-news.com/subscribe.html - FREE - FREE - FREE - FREE - FREE - FREE - Please Visit Our Sponsor http://www.indo-news.com/cgi-bin/ads1 ---------------------------------------------------------- ANTARA, Aug 16 1999 Aceh: Withdrawal of Troops Only Puts Locals in Danger, President Says Jakarta, Aug 16 (ANTARA)-President BJ Habibie said Monday the withdrawal of anti-riot troops from the riot-hit parts of the Indonesian province of Aceh without a corresponding weapons surrender by the armed members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) will only put the locals in danger and witout protection. "Conflicts situations, such as in Aceh, worsened by the escalating actions of armed-disturbance groups who work hand in hand with other provocateurs has caused losses and the lives of innocent people," Habibie said in his presidential speech before members of parliament here Monday in connection with the 54th anniversary of Indonesia's Independence Day. The head of state said the problems actually have slackened during the beginning of the reform period. The president urged the security disturbance groups and others groups who tried to destablize the situation, to stop the violence. "Prioritize the people's safety. Without trying to stop violence and disorder, it means we violate the Acehnese people human rights for a life in peace and security," Habibie said. The president has expressed his determination to end conflict in the nortern most province without using violence. "I call for all problems to be settled peacefully, democratically, transparently, honestly, fairly and in a civilized rather than a violent manner," the President said. The issue of settling the Aceh dispute had great prominence in the president's speech, as he said that Aceh's people had made significant contribution during the nation's fight for freedom, by donating the first aircraft, "Seulawah". "Honestly and wholeheartedly, I called upon the Acehnese to together solve the present problems in a family atmosphere," Habibie said. Habibie has expressed his hope that the conflict in the region can be settled as soon as possible so the Acehnese can enjoy a civilised, normal, fair and well-fared life. He further called on his people, particularly elite circles in Indonesian society, on Monday to show their statemanship, instead of partisan attitu, in coping with various problems that this nation is undergoing. "It is demanded of us to give precedence to our statesmanship and our attitude as a big family of Indonesia, rather than a partial one which solely focuses on a certain group's interest." (T/RU-03/NN-03/NN-06/08:55/INT-TA/RI1/11:01/TB05) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Didistribusikan tgl. 20 Aug 1999 jam 11:19:12 GMT+1 oleh: Indonesia Daily News Online <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> http://www.Indo-News.com/ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
