12 May, 2000. Geneva, Switzerland - The representatives of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement signed in Switzerland, today a Joint Understanding on Humanitarian Pause for Aceh, to facilitate the effective delivery of increased humanitarian relief assistance and to decrease violence that plagued the province in the past years.

‘With the support of the people, this ground breaking Joint Understanding will help decrease the human suffering and violence. It will also help boost the confidence towards finding a peaceful solution on the conflict situation there,' said representatives of the two parties.

To support the process, which will come into effect within three weeks for an initially agreed period of three months, a structure to ensure the implementation of the Joint Understanding will be established.  Representatives of the parties to the Joint Understanding, and other persons of integrity from the society will be members of two Joint Committees to be established in Aceh:

• The Joint Committee for Humanitarian Action will ensure the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance.  An independent monitoring team will assess the implementation of humanitarian action and report to the Joint Forum.

• The Joint Committee on Security Modalities will guarantee the absence of offensive mflitary actions and ensure the reduction of tension and the cessation of violence.  It will also ensure the continuing of normal police function for the enforcement of law and maintenance of public order.  An independent monitoring team will assess the implementation of security modalities of humanitarian pause, investigate infringements, and report its findings to the Joint Forum.

The Joint Understanding is a result of series of meetings held by the two parties in Switzerland. It reflects progress of joint undertaking to promote dialogue as a means to settle their differences towards achieving a peaceful solution to the conflict situation in Aceh.