Aceh rebels declare 'state of emergency'

Separatist rebels in the Indonesian province of Aceh have declared what they describe as a state of emergency.

They are advising people to stay at home and not go to work because of escalating violence in the province.

A spokesman for the rebel Free Aceh Movement, Sofyan Daud, blamed Indonesian troops for the increased levels of fighting.

Last month the Indonesian president, Abdurrahman Wahid, signed a decree ordering the military and police to restore law and order in the province.

Hundreds of people, including civilians, have died in separatist-related violence since the beginning of the year. The presidential decree also came after a series of failed peace talks between the rebels and the Indonesian government.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service