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Letter from The
SEACSN Regional Coordinator
October 2003 has brought further trials in Bali, Indonesia,
and a time when people of the world over were reminded
of Indonesia. Bali is not the only area in Indonesia
that has suffered from conflict. The conflict situation
in Aceh continues also. This Bulletin issue we are grateful
to the Malaysian national newspaper, The Star, and their
writer, Andreas Harsono for permitting us to reproduce
unedited, an article first published on 14 September
2003. It provides a comprehensive overview and update
on the Acehnese situation. Another area to suffer ethnic
conflicts in recent years has been Kalimantan on the
island of Borneo. We are grateful to the RIDEP Intitute
for their article giving an up to date view of the situations
there.
In July 2003, we once again held the Peace Week at Universiti
Sains Malaysia, Penang. Seminars included amongst others
an overview of the role of the United Nations in Iraq,
Inter religious dialogue, a look at the Mindanao conflict,
an update on Singapore / Malaysia relations. A brief
overview of the Mindanao seminar is included, together
with a full article from our Singapore SEACSN colleagues
on Singapore-Malaysia relations "The ties that bind
us."
Looking forward, in January 2004 we shall be hosting
a regional conference "Issues and Challenges for
Conflict Resolution in Southeast Asia" in Penang.
This conference will bring a close to the first phase
of the SEACSN with a gathering of peace and conflict
researchers from around the region and beyond. There
will also be the first congress where we hope to get
feedback from our members regarding activities of the
network. We very much hope you will be able to join us
there.
Finally, may I draw your attention to our newly re-launched
website. Do take a look at it and give us your feedback!
"ZAM"
Kamarulzaman Askandar
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