"Regional symbols and flags are under legal, not political domain and are therefore related to laws, government and existing other regulations," President Yudhoyono said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said that the Aceh flag problem was not a political issue and so it should be settled according to laws.

"Regional symbols and flags are under legal, not political domain and are therefore related to laws, government and existing other regulations," he said after holding Friday prayers here.

In view of that, he said, he had assigned the coordinating minister for political, security and legal affairs and the home affairs minister to conduct constructive and good talks (with Aceh leaders) in connection with the Aceh administration`s recent decision to adopt a regional flag similar to that of the former separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM).

The minister of home affairs had come to Aceh to talk with the governor, the chairman of the regional legislative assembly and other figures considered relevant on the issue.

President Yudhoyono hoped the talks would bring positive understanding."My hope is they would end well to bring the issue back to the constitution, laws and other regulations."

"I wish we would not retreat and no new and unnecessary problems would arise as we have to unite to carry out development efforts in Aceh for peace, security and especially prosperity in the region," he said.

He added he would invite the governor of Aceh soon to discuss the issue and "how we could even be more united to advance Aceh and assure peace and security in the region to make development efforts possible for improving the welfare of the people."

"This is what I have always reminded all parties including our brothers in Aceh," he added.

President Yudhoyono reiterated that "I have issued an amnesty to all members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and therefore ideas that could be interpreted as continuing the separatist movement must be stopped. That is the context under which the issue of the Aceh flag and symbol should be put."

He said he hoped within two weaks`s time the issue could be settled and no disruptions would happen in the future.

"The national red and white flag must be flown across the country. That is our flag. Indeed regions may have their own symbols but they have to be made according to the laws and the spirit that there is only one flag showing our sovereignty namely the red and white flag," he said. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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