Jakarta – In an effort to end a long-running separatist war, Indonesia's Parliament yesterday passed a Bill granting Aceh province sweeping autonomy. The legislation, which will not come into effect until 2002, is not expected to have any immediate effect on the conflict which has claimed over 900 lives this year. Under the Bill, the predominantly Muslim region will have the right to impose Islamic Shariah law and establish a Muslim court system.

Meanwhile, the military yesterday claimed its troops had shot dead the "defence minister" of the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM), Mr Daud Paneuk, during an exchange of fire with the rebels. The GAM has denied the military's claim.

American oil giant Exxon Mobil Corp announced yesterday that it had resumed limited operations in Aceh after a four-month suspension due to the unrest.