HASAN TIRO ALWAYS MISSING ACEH

Jakarta, Oct 24 (ANTARA) - Former separatist chief of the Aceh Free Movement Hasan Tiro admitted that he always wanted to go home to his hometown in Aceh.

"He always wanted to go to Aceh," Tengku Malik Mahmud speaking on Tiro's behalf said after Tiro's meeting with vice president Jusuf Kalla here on Friday.

The meeting between the two lasted two hours. Tiro arrived at the vice presidential home at 7.10 pm and left at 9.15 pm.

Malik Mahmud said there was no special issue discussed by the two, adding that the meeting was between brothers and fiends.

"Actually he (Hasan Tiro) also wishes to meet President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and coordinating minister for politics and security Widodo AS but because they were at present not available at home, he only met vice president Jusuf Kalla," he said.

Asked if he (Hasan Tiro) had been satisfied with the current situation in Aceh Malik Mahmud said that Aceh was now quite good and secure.

When asked about his impression on the meeting Vice President Jusuf Kalla said he was surprised. "As regards his age he is still heatlhy. I was often left left behind when waling along with him, he was quicker than me," he said with a smile on his face.

Asked on the possibility of Hasan Tior to stay in Aceh, the vice president said he would welcome it because he is an Acehnese. However he said that considering his condition he (Hasan Tiro) might have other ideas.

And "if he stays in Aceh he will certainly be very busy because there will be many guests meeting him," he added.

After giving a press conference vice president Jusuf Kalla and Hasan Tiro shook hands. Kalla walked Tiro to his car. Before entering the car Kalla even took an opportunity to speak with Malik Mahmud.

Malik Mahmud and Hasan Tiro said "Assalamu'alaikum (peace be upon you)" to vice president Jusuf Kalla before leaving his home.

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