Indonesian government, Aceh rebels sign peace accord News
Indonesian government, Aceh rebels sign peace accord

[JURIST] Indonesia and Muslim Aceh rebels on Monday signed a historic peace accord [PDF text; JURIST report] to end decades of fighting that killed thousands of people. Along with cessation of all hostilities, the separatists have dropped their long-held demands for independence and agreed to put down their arms and demobilize their troops. The pact also gives amnesty to members of the Free Aceh Movement [Wikipedia profile] and allows the region limited self-rule. The deal was signed in Helsinki after seven months of talks mediated by former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari [Wikipedia profile], who used last year's tsunami to help bring the two sides together in an effort to increase the flow of aid. AP has more. The Jakarta Post has local coverage.