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The Preparatory Conference on Peace and Reconstruction in Aceh

1. Japan, together with the United States of America and the World Bank, will host the Preparatory Conference on Peace and Reconstruction in Aceh, on 3 December 2002 in Tokyo with a view to assisting efforts toward a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Aceh in the Republic of Indonesia. The participants and agendas are now being coordinated.
2. In Aceh, the westernmost region of Indonesia, armed conflict has continued between the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), which is aiming for separation and independence from Indonesia, and government security forces, causing a large number of casualties among the local population. In order to address this situation, the Government of Indonesia has granted special autonomy to Aceh and engaged in intermittent negotiations with GAM leaders towards reaching a peaceful solution to the situation there. Lately, the GAM side has indicated its readiness to sign in early December (currently scheduled for 9 December 2002) an agreement for the cessation of hostilities, on condition that the GAM side accept a special autonomy status. This situation indicates that the peace process is in its final stages.
3. In the light of these circumstances, Japan recognizes that it is essential for the international community to express its support for a peaceful resolution of the Aceh conflict, within the territorial integrity of Indonesia and to encourage continued momentum for signature of a final agreement to cease hostilities in early December. At the same time, Japan acknowledges the importance of an expression by the international community of its readiness to support the cease-fire monitoring program, as well as in the area of social and economic reconstruction of Aceh after the establishment of peace. In addition, as religious and ethnic conflicts, especially internal conflicts, have frequently taken place in the post-Cold War era, it is now vital that the international community unite in providing not only conventional forms of humanitarian aid and assistance for reconstruction, but also flexible and continuous assistance towards the "Consolidation of Peace" in order to ensure a lasting resolution to such conflicts. Based on such recognition, and as one aspect of its efforts towards the "Consolidation of Peace," Japan will host the Preparatory Conference on Peace and Reconstruction in Aceh among concerned nations and international organizations.