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STATE OF
ACHEH GAM STATEMENT ON POLITICAL PARTIES FOR ACHEH The Free Acheh Movement (GAM) is pleased to acknowledge that the Government of Indonesia has proposed the establishment of political parties in Acheh. This follows GAM’s standing commitment to the full democratic principles of unrestricted representation and participation in the political process, including the establishment of local political parties. While noting that there remains the need to clarify the detail of the position of the Government of Indonesia (GoI), GAM accepts that GoI now endorses the basic democratic principles of freedom of association regardless of place or number of members. Spokesman for GAM, Mr Bakhtiar Abdullah, said that, assuming appropriate clarification about a mechanism for the establishment of local political parties, the way was now clear for finalising other outstanding issues in the Helsinki peace talks process. ‘GAM is pleased that the GoI delegation recognises the basic democratic principle of political participation regardless of location or number of members,’ Mr Bakhtiar Abdullah said. ‘GAM will now formally respond to the GoI proposal on local political parties, and looks forward to receiving the presentation of the detail of the GoI proposal.’ ‘If GoI provides a genuine mechanism that will ensure full democratic rights for the people of Acheh, GAM now believes it will be possible to reach an agreement to produce a sustainable political solution to Acheh’s long-running conflict.’ Mr Bakhtiar Abdullah said that GAM was not seeking the establishment of political parties in Acheh for its own benefit, but to ensure the inclusion of many political parties. ‘It is only through the establishment of an open, democratic and plural process that we can guarantee a peaceful political future, facilitate post-tsunami reconstruction and enhance social and economic development in Acheh,’ Mr Bakhtiar Abdullah said. Signed, Mr Bakhtiar Abdullah |
