Jakarta – A high-ranking official of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) reportedly attended a ceremony marking the 46th anniversary of the Aceh Military Command in Banda Aceh on Monday, Antara reported.

Aceh Military spokesman Lt. Col. Firdaus confirmed the attendance of the GAM member, identified as North Aceh GAM police official Teungku Gumarni.

"I don't care whether he presents himself as an official envoy of GAM or not. What I care about is that his attendance is a sign of goodwill from GAM," Firdaus said.

He said the military did not send an official invitation to GAM, but rather sent word through "communication contacts".

Gumarni sat next to high-ranking military and police officials during the ceremony. GAM spokesman Tengku Kamaruzzaman said he was unaware of the matter.

There have been several clashes between GAM and the military since the two sides signed a cessation of hostilities agreement on December 9 in Geneva.

The agreement aims to end the 26-year bloody conflict in the province.