Wahid Visits Aceh, Pleads for Talks

Desperate to keep his crisis-ridden nation together, Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid pleaded with separatists to revive talks to end a 25-year rebellion that has killed thousands in Aceh province. Wearing a bulletproof vest and under heavy guard, Wahid stayed in Aceh, on the northern tip of Sumatra island, for only three hours. Rebel leaders refused to meet him and accused the military of human rights abuses. Indonesia’s defense minister indicated today that a cease-fire that expires Jan. 15 will not be extended.