Jakarta – Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto said here on Friday the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) has no authority whatsoever to declare a cease-fire as it is an outlawed group that is not entitled to possess weapons.

"[The GAM] is not entitled to declare a cease-fire either in the fasting month of Ramadhan or in any other month," Endriartono was quoted by Antara as saying.

GAM earlier called on the TNI and the Indonesian Police to abide by a self-imposed cease-fire as Muslims fast. The rebels also said they would use firearms only if attacked by the Military and Police.

The TNI chief said the government would continue in its efforts to solve the Aceh conflict as quickly as possible.

GAM unilaterally decided to suspend peace talks with the government in Geneva scheduled for November 2 to November 4.