Jakarta – Separatist rebels in war-torn Aceh province said Wednesday they were willing to release 80 captives including a television cameraman in return for a two-day ceasefire.

"That's a condition that we have put forth," said the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) commander for East Aceh district, Ishak Dawood.

He said rebels would need a day to deliver the detainees to a safe place and another day to return to their camp. The detainees are held in several areas in East Aceh.

The government has sent three senior officials to Aceh to try to arrange talks with the rebels about a release. Such talks would be the first between the government and rebels since Jakarta on May 19 imposed martial law in Aceh and launched a huge military offensive.

Ishak said if the government agrees on a ceasefire, the hostages would be handed over to Red Cross representatives at a certain location. He added that GAM would not have any direct contact with the military or government representatives.

Ishak refused to describe the detainess as hostages, saying they have been with the rebels because they were suspected of spying for the military or because they had sought guerrilla protection. "We are not asking for ransom," he said.

Army chief General Ryamizard Ryacudu urged the government to reject the ceasefire demand. "Why should we negotiate and follow the demands of a separatist group which is currently being cornered? It is only normal for them to seek a ceasefire and we should not grant this wish," Ryacudu said in Jakarta. "GAM should be continuously cornered and the pressure should not be relaxed," Antara quoted the general, known for his hawkish stance, as saying.