Islamic bloc hopes Aceh agreement brings lasting peace

RIYADH, Wednesday (AFP) The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) expressed its hope that a peace deal between the Indonesian government and Aceh rebels would establish lasting stability in the region.

"We hope the signing of this agreement will help establish peace and stability in the region and would speed up the reconstruction process, particularly after the tsunami catastrophe," said spokesman Atta al-Mannan.

"The Organization of Islamic Conference has backed all efforts aimed at finding a settlement through negotiations in order to reach a peaceful and lasting solution to the Aceh conflict," he added.

Meanwhile Indonesia's military, often accused of human rights violations, is likely to stick to a fresh peace pact in Aceh province despite frustrations over concessions to separatist rebels, analysts said.

Sidney Jones from the International Crisis Group think-tank told AFP she expects the military - criticised in the past for violations in East Timor, Papua, Aceh and other areas - to adhere to the pact. "I think at the moment the commander of the TNI (the military) is committed to upholding the letter of the peace pact," she said.