Reuters in Jakarta – Indonesia's parliament on Thursday backed away from the idea of allowing any referendum for the troubled province of Aceh.

Separatists are demanding a referendum on independence for the Sumatran region and a special parliamentary committee earlier recommended holding a vote of some kind in the province.

But on Thursday the full parliament specifically excluded this recommendation when it ratified other decisions by the panel. A copy of the final motion said the government needs to hold further talks on a referendum with parliament and the Acehnese. The decision now goes to President Abdurrahman Wahid for consideration and is non-binding.

Many Indonesians fear independence for Aceh will trigger the break-up of their country. The powerful military has vowed to resist any attempt by Aceh to break away.

Mr Wahid has suggested a vote on the implementation of Islamic Sharia law should be held in Aceh, but many groups in the province say they will reject any referendum that does not include the option of independence.

The committee's earlier recommendation did not specify what kind of referendum should be held. The recommendation also urged the government to speed the prosecution of anyone suspected of abuses in Aceh and to pay compensation for victims of atrocities in the territory.