GOVERNOR CALLS ON PARTIES IN ACEH TO STOP POLITICAL VIOLENCE

Banda Aceh, Indonesia, Sept 23 (ANTARA) - It is time for political parties in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD) province to go about their activities in accordance with existing rules and regulations and to stop political violence, Governor Irwandi Yusuf said here on Tuesday.
"Aceh was in the past in a conflict situation for a long time, and therefore I ask all parties to shun political violence and maintain the already peaceful situation in the province," the governor said at a press conference.
Yusuf called the press conference after symbolically handing out scholarships to 80,000 orphans during his first public function after returning from Singapore where he had undergone medical treatment at a hospital.
The governor arrived at Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport from Singapore at 9:15 am local time on Tuesday in a chartered Cassa aircraft after an absence of more than a month.
Asked about provincial administration activities during his absence, the governor said there was no change because everything had been taken care of by Vice Governor Muhammad Nazar.
Yusuf said local government activities were running normally but the political temperature in the region had started to rise.
Therefore, he called on all parties, especially those to take part in next year's general election , to exercise self restraint and to refrain from disturbing the already peaceful situation with new political conflicts.
"It is very difficult to lead the administration in Aceh because a lot of problems have to be overcome," Yusuf said, adding that he would start working, although he still needed a lot of rest.
The governor said he would return to Singapore in the next few days to get further treatment, and thus he was not certain where he would be celebrating Idul Fitri (the end of Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month).
"I have yet to decide where I will observe Idul Fitri, in Central Aceh or in Langsa," the governor said.