Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Feb 1997

Vol. 475 No. 4

Written Answers. - Human Rights Abuses.

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

79 Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any, being taken at EU level to ensure that weapons supplied to Indonesia are not used against the East Timorese people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4834/97]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

The policy of the European Union in respect of East Timor is based on the EU Common Position on East Timor which was adopted by the Council of Ministers on 25 June 1996. In accordance with the Common Position, Ireland actively supports international efforts to promote respect for human rights in East Timor and to bring about a peaceful and just solution which fully respects the interests and legitimate aspirations of the Timorese people. In regard to the question of arms supply for use in East Timor, our partners in the European Union are fully aware of the strength of international opinion with regard to the record of the Indonesian authorities in East Timor and to the grave concern which exists in relation to the supply of arms which could be used as instruments of oppression there. One of the objectives of the Government, which fully shares this concern, is to stop the supply to Indonesia of arms that could be used as instruments of oppression in East Timor.

All EU member states accept common criteria on the export of arms which require,inter alia, that the respect of human rights in the country of final destination be taken into account. Implementation of these criteria is at the national level. As regards a full embargo on Indonesia by EU member states, this, as the Deputy is aware, requires consensus within the EU. While such a consensus may be difficult to achieve, I believe that the question of an embargo should be kept under continuing review in the light of developments in East Timor.