The images on the TV screen are still clearly remembered by all Acehnese. Megawati Sukarnoputri, chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) was making a speech celebrating her party's victory in the general election. In a quivering voice, she said, "To my brothers and sisters in Aceh, please be patient. When I take charge of this country, I will not allow one drop of blood to be spilled on the land of Aceh."

Megawati