conflicts in Aceh. "We're highly appreciated to the readiness of the Indonesian government to move forward. We hope there is success," he said. Leaders of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) held talks with the Jakarta government in Helsinki, Finland, last month in a bid to end decades of fighting. The talks were concluded with no formal pact to end hostilities, but the Indonesian government has expressed its willingness to continue talks with Aceh rebels, insisting that there must be a clear agenda towards a comprehensive solution to the conflict in the tsunami-ravaged province. The last peace talks between GAM and Jakarta collapsed in May 2003 and the government declared martial law on the province, simultaneously launching a massive military offensive against the rebels to crush the movement. The new talks were fueled by calls for peace on all sides in the aftermath of the December 26 catastrophe, but experts say its still far from certain whether a meaningful peace agreement will result. GAM has been fighting for independence in Aceh province since 1976. The conflict has claimed the lives of more than 12,000 people, mostly civilians. The visit to Banda Aceh caps Fischers nine-day tour of Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
