Langsa – Aceh Governor Abdullah Puteh expressed on Saturday his expectation that the armed conflict in his province would be settled soon. "I have a hunch that the armed conflict will be settled in three months time," he said.

"I base this on the fact that the security situation in Aceh is getting better while the people are more at ease and feel safer," he added.

Puteh also said that the number of Free Aceh Movement (GAM) members was dwindling, contributing to the effort to build what he described as a "safer Aceh".

"Better national security will also help greatly in restoring peace and order in Aceh. President-elect Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will of course do his best to settle the Aceh conflict as he has traveled a lot here," he said.

He further expressed the hope that Acehnese religious leaders and prominent figures would help resolve the conflict, together with the government.

GAM rebels have been fighting for an independent Aceh since 1976. Their leaders are currently living comfortably in exile in Sweden.