Peace for Aceh as government and rebels agree accord

THE Indonesian government and Aceh rebels yesterday signed a peace treaty to end nearly 30 years of fighting that has seen 15,000 people killed, but rebel leaders voiced concern about troops remaining in the province.

The signing ceremony in Helsinki followed seven months of talks mediated by former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari, who spurred the two sides to agreement to help international aid reach the province that was devastated by last year’s tsunami.

The pact gives amnesty to members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and allows the region limited self-government.