Vol. 487 No. 5
26 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised the question of self-determination for the people of East Timor with the Australian Foreign Minister during their recent bilateral meeting; and Australia's position on this question. [4301/98]
The Australian Foreign Minister, Mr. Alexander Downer, made an official visit to this country from 3 to 5 February. During the course of his visit, which was highly successful, Mr. Downer and I had discussions on a wide range of subjects, including East Timor.
The Deputy will be aware that Australia is one of those countries which have recognised Indonesia's annexation of East Timor. Mr. Downer and I were in agreement, however, that the human rights situation in the territory continues to give rise to great concern. In the course of our discussions, I asked Mr. Downer to use his considerable influence with the Indonesian authorities to urge that human rights abuses there be brought to an end. He assured me that the Australian Government would continue to do so at every suitable opportunity.
