Annan welcomes preliminary peace deal between Indonesia and Aceh separatists

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today warmly welcomed the preliminary peace agreement reached yesterday between the Indonesian Government and the separatist Free Aceh Movement, intended to end nearly 30 years of conflict in the province.

"The Secretary-General commends both sides for their determination to reach a lasting and sustainable peace in Aceh and strongly urges them to demonstrate continued resolve and commitment throughout the implementation of the agreed terms," said a statement issued by a UN spokesman in New York.

It said that Mr. Annan looks forward to the signing by the parties of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the tentative deal on 15 August, and hopes this breakthrough heralds a new and brighter future for the people of Aceh.

"He also applauds the crucial role played by [former Finnish president] Mr. Martti Ahtisaari as the mediator in these negotiations," the statement said, adding that Mr. Annan is encouraged to learn of the readiness of the European Union (EU), and possibly Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to provide a monitoring team in Aceh once the MOU is official.