Vol. 469 No. 7
83 Mr. R. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether the Government intends to use its influence during the Irish Presidency of the EU to implement a total arms embargo by EU member states on Indonesia, in view of the human rights abuses committed by the Indonesian Government in East Timor. [18144/96]
The European Union's policy in regard to East Timor is based on the common position adopted by the Council of Ministers on 25 June 1996, details of which I gave in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 22 on 4 July last.
In accordance with the Common Position, Ireland, as Presidency, is actively supporting international efforts to promote respect for human rights and a just and peaceful solution to the question of East Timor, which fully respects the interests and legitimate aspirations of the Timorese people.
The current focus of these efforts is on the continuing talks, under the auspices of the United Nations Secretary-General, between the Portuguese and Indonesian Foreign Ministers, who are due to meet again in December and the all-inclusive intra-Timorese dialogue, which is to be convened for a third round early next year. Ireland has indicated its willingness to make a financial contribution towards the cost of holding the latter talks.
