HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS WELCOMES SIGNING OF PEACE AGREEMENT BETWEEN GOVERNMENT OF INDONESIA AND FREE ACEH MOVEMENT

9 December 2002


NEW YORK, 9 December -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Sergio Vieira de Mello, adds his congratulations to those of the Secretary-General, following the signing today in Geneva of the Framework Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM).

It is a major step, he said, towards restoring peace, the protection of civilian populations in Aceh and the respect of their human rights. He commends the wisdom and courage of the Government of Indonesia, in particular of President Megawati Sukarnoputri, and the leadership of GAM.

He also applauds the role of the Humanitarian Dialogue Centre in Geneva for its tenacious role in bringing this settlement about. The High Commissioner encourages early and full implementation of the Agreement so as to create confidence, establish democratic institutions and promote respect for all human rights.




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