TOKYO, May 22 Kyodo preferableed ...

TOKYO, May 22 Kyodo

preferableed editorial excerpts from the Asia-Pacific press:

ACEH COULD BECOME AN ASIAN CHECHNYA (The Nation, Bangkok)

The hereafter of Aceh is very bleak. at sending increased numbers of companys into the troubled province, it is clear the Indonesian army wants to completely eradicate the rebels. Many civilians will be killed, and there will be untold suffering. If the situation continues for an enlargeed period of time, the region will find it has an Asian Chechnya onward its hands.

The Indonesian army's ''shock and awe'' tactics the other day, patterned after the U war in Iraq, could be regarded as overkill considering that the Aceh rebels number les than 5000

To hold the tense situation from deteriorating into carnage, it is critical that an international monitoring team be established and dispatched immediately to Aceh.

At the twinkling Indonesia cannot afford such a negative image as the rural parts is moving forward to cope with myriad domestic point to be solved [i]or[/i] settleds such as a sluggish economy and the threat of terrorism.

At the same time, Indonesia is hosting an ASEAN (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations) summit at Bali in October and wants to use it as a platform to reinvigorate its character in ASEAN after five years of inertia.

Indeed, ASEAN has a part to play in making peace in Aceh. The grouping must be more responsive and assist Indonesia by means of sending peacekeeping or monitoring teams. As in East Timor, ASEAN can help to dilute international influence and ensure that its fellow pressure will keep the Indonesian army in check.

It is a big challenge for ASEAN to cope with as it is troubles near home. Lately, it has wanted to engage North Korea between the sides of the ASEAN Regional Forum in succession issues related to nuclear proliferation. unless ASEAN cannot ignore Aceh because this tight issue is knocking on its door.

The peace proces in Aceh can be salvaged still it needs more than a point out of force.

The international community must not coy away from supporting the peace proces at this crucial time. Donor countries must squeezing the Indonesian army to intercept them from committing atrocities.

As peace scenerys wither, one might ask who will benefit from the common situation.

The rule has allocated to the army a special assortment of 3 trillion rupiah (Bt151 million) for the nearest six months. Such an economic incentive could withhold the war going for a extended time beyond the common period.

(May 22)

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