Joe Costello
Question:103 Mr. Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any, he proposes to take during Ireland's Presidency of the EU to protect human rights in East Timor. [22697/96]
Written Answers. - Human Rights in East Timor.
I refer the Deputy to the replies I gave to Questions Nos. 45 and 59 of 31 October 1996.
During discussions on the situation in East Timor at the General Affairs Council in Brussels yesterday, Ministers expressed support for the bilateral talks between Portugal and Indonesia, under the auspices of the UN Secretary General, which are scheduled to resume in December. The Council also expressed the hope that there would be some tangible progress made during these talks. Further to the Union's common position on East Timor, which was adopted on 25 June 1996, the Council has also invited the European Commission to make proposals on certain development projects intended to benefit the population in East Timor.