Indonesia and rebels in Aceh signed an accord Monday to end one of the world's longest-running insurgencies, but the guerrillas almost immediately said the campaign for freedom would switch to the ballot box. In the bloodthirsty staunchly Islamic, oil-rich province of Aceh, many kissed the ground in joy after news spread of the signing of the peace deal, although caution was predominant and there was abundant skepticism. "GAM (Free Aceh Movement) was formed to fight for the independence of Aceh. That is the aim of GAM and it will remain so," said Malik Mahmud, a negotiator whom the rebels call the "prime minister" of Aceh, hours after the signing, adding that Acehnese must now choose their future through elections.
Like, ummmm... East Timor did. |