GENEVA - The Indonesian government and separatist rebels from the province of Aceh, signed a truce agreement aimed at ending 26 years of fighting.

"With the signing of this cessation of hostilities agreement between the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement, a victory has been achieved," said chief Indonesian negotiator S Wiryono.

The deal gives autonomy and free elections to Aceh - which lies at the northern tip of the island of Sumatra - in exchange for the rebels disarming

Representatives from the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the Indonesian government signed the "cessation of hostilities" agreement at the Geneva-based Henry Dunant Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue which has been working to bring peace to the region since January 2000.

The peace deal is hoped to end the 26-year war in the Indonesian gas- and oil-rich province, which has claimed at least 10,000 lives.