JAKARTA - Indonesia says its prepared to hold negotiations with separatist rebels in Aceh to secure the release of hostages in the first direct talks between the sides in over eight months. Security minister Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said a central government team would head to the restive northern province on Tuesday for the first direct contact with the Free Aceh Movement since a state of emergency was imposed in May.
He said the rebels had also demanded a two-day ceasefire to arrange the release of television cameraman Fery Santoro who they have held since June. Local and international media groups criticised both the government and GAM after Santoro's reporter colleague Ersa Siregar was shot dead by troops in the province on December 29.
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JAKARTA - Indonesia says its prepared to hold negotiations with separatist rebels in Aceh to secure the release of hostages in the first direct talks between the sides in over eight months. Security minister Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said a central government team would head to the restive northern province on Tuesday for the first direct contact with the Free Aceh Movement since a state of emergency was imposed in May. 
