JAKARTA, Indonesia – Indonesia's vice president welcomed a cease-fire offer by Aceh's rebel movement, saying Thursday that Jakarta (search) would "make efforts" toward keeping peaceful relations as it seeks to rebuild the tsunami-battered region.
"Of course we welcome it. Indonesia will also make efforts toward it," said Jusuf Kalla, speaking at the vice presidential palace.
The exiled leader of the Aceh rebel movement, Malik Mahmud (search), reaffirmed the rebels' commitment to a cease-fire they declared Dec. 26, the day of the disaster. Indonesia's military chief also made a truce offer Tuesday.
Kalla did not mention details of steps taken, saying only, "We are working on it. We will talk about it when the right time comes."
The vice president said the most important thing to do was to end the conflict. "Meaning, both parties manage to maintain peace and rehabilitating Aceh (search)."
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