Solidarity for Aceh, a non-partisan coalition of concerned citizens over the military conflict in Aceh, applaud the effort taken by Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to initiate a peace talk between the Philippine government and the MILF separatist movement.

We welcome such move that demonstrates regional solidarity and Malaysia's commitment towards peace and humanity. The effort is seen as a positive move within Asean which goes beyond its traditional policy of non-interference.

At the same note, we urge the deputy prime minister to foster a similar effort in bringing the peace process in Aceh back on track. Negotiations between the warring parties must be resumed, and a peaceful solution this conflict must be found. Our assessment of the conflict invokes the need for greater participation of the civil society to restore peace and a long-term solution to the conflict in Aceh.

We believe Malaysia as the chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and as an influential Asean member and a serious contender for the OIC leadership should play a bigger and vital role on the Aceh situation. Malaysia has deep historical, cultural, commercial and ancestral links with Aceh. If we, Aceh's closest neighbours, do not act for peace, it will be seen as a shameful failure by our peers.

We urge the future prime minister to demonstrate to the people of Malaysia and the world that we are a nation committed towards peace and humanity. The deputy prime minister's efforts in Aceh would give true meaning to 'Malaysia Boleh'.