'Asia instability' if Aceh rebels win
Australia’s foreign minister has warned that a victory for separatist rebels in the Indonesian province of Aceh could result in a disastrous security situation in South-East Asia. Alexander Downer says the Australian Government does not support the Free Aceh Movement in its bid for independence. The Indonesian authorities in Jakarta have launched a military offensive in the secessionist province last week after peace talks were abandoned. Australia believes a victory by rebels in Aceh could trigger the break-up of Indonesia – the world’s fourth most populous nation. Mr Downer insisted the result would be an area of fundamental instability to Australia’s north. He said there were enough problems in the Asia-Pacific region without compounding them by the dissolution of Indonesia. Full Story