Last-ditch efforts to avert Aceh war

Indonesia is increasing its military presence in Aceh

International mediators are continuing last-ditch efforts to avert a war in Indonesia's western province of Aceh, with a deadline due to expire in a few hours.

Indonesia has said if rebels from the Free Aceh Movement (Gam) do not meet government officials by Monday to resolve differences over a peace deal they face an all-out military offensive.

The government in Jakarta demands that Gam abandon their independence campaign, lay down arms and start talks on local autonomy.

But so far, there has been no word on any progress from the talks which are taking place in Sweden - and both Indonesia and Gam have been pouring in more troops in Aceh.

The two sides signed the peace agreement last December but correspondents say the accord has all but collapsed.

However, in what was seen as a goodwill gesture on Sunday, Jakarta released four detained Gam negotiators, two days after they were arrested in connection with a series of bombings across Indonesia.

Preparing for war

Officials for the Henry Dunant Centre, which brokered the peace deal, said they were doing everything possible to avert the war at the talks in Stockholm.

Aceh's rebels are taking up defensive positions

"We're still talking with both parties today and will wait and see. We hope the best can be achieved," said David Gorman, who heads the centre's operations in Aceh.

Meanwhile, about 600 Indonesian troops were expected shortly to join thousands of soldiers already sent to Aceh, as part of preparations for a possible offensive.

Gam, for its part, has ordered its fighters to take up defensive positions and has cancelled all leave.

"The situation in the nation of Aceh today is entering the second colonial war," a rebel spokesman said on Friday - comparing Jakarta's troops to the Dutch invaders of the late 19th century.

Accusations

There was initial optimism when Gam and the government agreed to the 9 December peace deal, aimed to bring an end to a 26-year conflict that has claimed at least 12,000 lives.

Under the terms of the agreement, the rebels were to place their weapons in special arms dumps, and the Indonesian military was to withdraw to defensive positions.

Neither Jakarta nor Gam has so far fulfilled its side of the bargain, and they continue to blame each other for the breakdown in relations.

Violent incidents are on the increase, with thousands of villagers fleeing their homes and seeking refuge in local mosques and schools.

Indonesia's Foreign Minister, Hassan Wirayuda, defended a possible crackdown in the territory.

"Honestly, what we are doing - or will do - in Aceh is much less than the American power that was deployed in Iraq. We aren't violating anyone's sovereignty," he said.