Aceh peace deal 'violated'

The peace agreement is reaching a critical stage

Monitors in the Indonesian province of Aceh have blamed both rebels and government troops for breaking a peace deal signed two months ago.

The accusations come as the agreement enters a critical stage.

Rebels were to start disarming and the Indonesian army was to withdraw to defensive positions a week ago.

But the Switzerland-based monitoring group, the Joint Security Committee, says both government forces and the rebels are behind recent violent attacks and killings.

"It is clear and without any doubt in my mind that these cases constitute violations," said a senior envoy.

"The Joint Security Committee (JSC) has sanctioned both the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the Indonesian Government (RI) for violations."

Infringements include the killing of two rebels by government troops on 25 January in Lamno, west Aceh.

Rebels are accused of killing two government soldiers in Manggamat, south Aceh.

The police have also been blamed for killing two civilians, AFP news agency reports.

Disciplinary action

The monitors say each party must discipline those responsible for the attacks then report to them so they can publish the findings.

The charges came as the badly mutilated body of an Indonesian solider who had been missing since 10 February was unearthed.

Reports suggest however that the Aceh peace agreement has reduced the overall level of violence in the province and that despite their statement, the monitors consider it to be a success.

Under the peace plan, free elections are due to be held in 2004 to establish an autonomous government in the resource-rich province.