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Aceh Rebels to Sign Peace Deal With Indonesia

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From Associated Press

Separatist rebels in Aceh province will sign a peace deal with the Indonesian government Dec. 9 to end 26 years of fighting that has killed thousands of people, international mediators said today.

The word came from the Geneva-based Henry Dunant Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, which has facilitated talks between the two sides since 2000.

The proposed peace plan offers more autonomy for the province’s 4 million inhabitants and elections for a provincial legislature and administration. A 150-member team of international monitors, including ex-military officers from Europe and Asia, would oversee the arrangement.

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A peace deal could end one of Asia’s longest-running wars. The rebellion against Jakarta has lasted since 1976. At least 12,000 people -- mostly civilians -- have died since 1990, including nearly 2,000 this year.

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