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Indonesia plans talks with rebels in Aceh

Indonesian tsunami victims - Govt plans talks with rebels -
Indonesian tsunami victims - Govt plans talks with rebels -

The Indonesian government has said it hopes to hold talks with separatist rebels operating in the tsunami-hit Aceh province at the end of this month.

It wants to ease security concerns amid a massive humanitarian operation.

Fears of attacks on aid workers in Aceh have impeded international relief efforts on the northern tip of Sumatra island, since the quake-triggered tsunami on St Stephen's Day.

Indonesia's Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda told a news conference that the disaster had prompted increased efforts to solve the separatist problem.

The separatists have waged a rebellion against rule by Jakarta since 1976 and the province is under a state of civil emergency.

The Free Aceh Movement (Gam) last held formal talks with the Indonesian government in May 2003.