Deaths in Aceh despite extended ceasefire

Violence has continued in the Indonesian province of Aceh, despite an agreement between the government and separatist rebels to extend their ceasefire by one month.

Reports from the province say two soldiers and two rebels were killed in separate clashes within hours of the deal being struck.

At talks in Switzerland, both sides also agreed to hold further discussions next month to discuss ways of improving security.

The rebels of the Free Aceh Movement say they are not giving up their armed struggle against Indonesia, but they have agreed to discuss establishing a legal political party.

The BBC correspondent in Jakarta says it remains to be seen whether any part of the agreement will be implemented on the ground in Aceh. The violence in Aceh has worsened under the current ceasefire, which started in June.

Last year more than eight hundred people were killed in Aceh.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service