Statement from the New Zealand Achehnese Community on the Anniversary of Martial Law in Acheh

"Most Achehnese people want a peaceful, independent, and democratic Acheh. We hope the people of New Zealand and the New Zealand government will want to cooperate with the international community to bring this about" said Bakhtiar a member of the New Zealand Achehnese Community.

"We hope the international community can pressure the Indonesian Government to return to the peace process, and work towards a referendum on independence for Acheh under the United Nations. It is important that this is done before more people die, and it is too late."

Despite the fact that martial law is to be downgraded to a civil emergency, there appears to be no commitment by the Indonesian Government to seriously reduce troop numbers, or allow substantially greater access to the province which has been deliberately starved of media and humanitarian access so that the Indonesian army could terrorise the inhabitants.

For more information email the Acheh Support Group asg@eclectic.org.nz or call John on 04 971 6695

ENDS

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