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President rejects martial law in Aceh
The Indonesian army has withdrawn 600 soldiers from Aceh |
Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid has ruled out a return of military rule to the northern province of Aceh.
"President Wahid rejects martial law," Attorney-General Marzuki Darusmani told a parliamentary committee on Wednesday.
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Military commanders said President Wahid's decision to scale down the army's presence in Aceh had reduced their ability to control unrest.
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The police will build up their presence in the province following the military's complaints, a police spokesman said.
Colonel Saleh Saaf told Reuters news agency that 876 reinforcements from the police mobile brigade, frequently used in riot control, would be despatched next week, around half to replace others being withdrawn.
The move comes ahead of the anniversary on 4 December of the founding of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM).
There are reports that the GAM flag will be flown "as a symbol of the determination of the Acehnese people", Indonesian Radio reported.
Thousands of non-Acehnese have already fled the province, worried they will get caught up in any violence.
No independence
President Wahid has offered the Acehnese a referendum, but it is expected to be for autonomy, not independence.
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Aceh factfile |
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98% Muslim |
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Rich in oil and gas |
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Four million population |
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55,000 sq km |
During a recent official visit to Japan, he said he wanted to hold a vote within seven months.
A day later he appeared to rule out full independence in favour of greater autonomy for the Acehnese within the Indonesian state.
An estimated 2,000 people have been killed in the northern Sumatran province in the past 10 years.
Several top generals involved in the military operation there are to be summoned before parliament in the next few days, following allegations of human rights abuses.
Former military chief General Wiranto will appear on Thursday, and former Vice-President Try Sutrisno on Saturday. The parliament also plans to question officials of the rebel movement.
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See also: |
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04 Nov 99 | Asia-Pacific |
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Wahid backs Aceh ballot |
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18 Nov 99 | Asia-Pacific |
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President defends Aceh ballot idea |
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08 Nov 99 | Asia-Pacific |
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In pictures: Acehnese on the streets |
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04 Nov 99 | Asia-Pacific |
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Indonesia troops to leave Aceh |
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21 Aug 99 | Asia-Pacific |
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Aid running out in Aceh |
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23 Aug 99 | From Our Own Correspondent |
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Aceh: Still dreaming of freedom |
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09 Nov 99 | SPECIAL REPORT |
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The fragile archipelago |
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16 Nov 99 | Asia-Pacific |
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Aceh vote 'in seven months' |
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17 Nov 99 | Asia-Pacific |
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Thousands flee troubled Aceh |
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Internet links: |
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Indonesia Online |
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BBC Indonesian Service |
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