PRESS RELEASE:
Banda Aceh, 15th September, 2008

The European Commission has announced continued EU support for Aceh through a further €3 million aid package geared towards promoting good governance in the local government. The purpose of the funds is also to support the run-up to the April 2009 national elections involving the participation of local political parties.



European Commission Director Moran visits Aceh and announces continued EU support and a further €3 million aid programme.

The Director for Asia for External Relations in the European Commission, James Moran made his first official visit to Aceh on 13-15 September to meet senior provincial government officials and discuss future European support for the peace
process in Aceh.

He announced during his visit a further grant injection of €3 million to assist the local government implement the Law on the Governing of Aceh (LOGA). James Moran said: "I repeat the EU's continued commitment for Aceh. I have witnessed first hand the clear success story of Aceh. But I have also seen many challenges remain. Just before my trip, Vice President Kalla called on donors not to pull out of Aceh until the work is complete. We heard that call and I saw for myself on the ground that we must remain as our support is still needed. Today I announce new support for good governance. Europe House remains open as further proof of our long term commitment to the Aceh Peace Process. I will continue our support for using remaining tsunami reconstruction funds to also help creating jobs and sustainable economic growth in the province – a key to future stability."

The Director and Ambassador met with Vice Governor Nazar, the Head of the Reintegration Agency (BRA), Nur Djuli, Aceh deputy Police Chief, Brigjen Pol. Drs. Fajar Prihantoro , the Walikota of Banda Aceh, Mawardi Nurdin; and Said Fuad Zakaria, Parliament. Director Moran toured areas of Aceh impacted by the tsunami to view the progress of reconstruction, as well as visiting livelihood development projects aimed at the economic and social reintegration of people affected by the conflict. Director Moran handed over land titles to residents of reconstructed areas.

Peace and stability, The purpose of the new aid programme to be implemented on behalf of the European Commission by GTZ (the German Technical Cooperation Agency) is to support the stabilization of post-conflict governance in Aceh in the framework of the new special autonomy law for Aceh (Law N. 11/2006 - LoGA), promulgated following the signature of the Helsinki Peace Accord (MoU) of 15 August 2005.

In 2005, the EU was instrumental in supporting peace by providing assistance to the negotiations leading to the signature of the peace agreement, then by monitoring the decommissioning of weapons and the initial phases of the MoU implementation through the Aceh Monitoring Mission (AMM). Support has also been given to key MoU commitments including support to the preparation of the local elections, support to police and justice reform, support to local governance and reintegration of ex-combatants into society.