Brussels, 23/05/2002 (Agence Europe) - The Spanish Presidency made the following declaration on behalf of the EU on 17 May:
"The EU welcomes the outcome of the consultations between the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement that took place on 9-10 May 2002 in Geneva, and the Joint Statement signed on 10 May. The EU also wishes to recognise the facilitation provided by the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue and the role played by the group of Wise Men. The EU welcomes the mutual recognition of the Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Law on special autonomy as a starting point for a dialogue aiming at involving all elements of Acehnese society and hopes that a new foundation for a successful process thereby has been laid. The EU urges both parties to live up to the Joint Statement and seize the opportunity to find a way to end violence in Aceh by pursuing a durable settlement based on autonomy for Aceh within the Republic of Indonesia."