John Gormley
Question:13 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position on the ongoing situation in the Republic of Indonesia based on information received from embassy and consulate staff. [12502/98]
Written Answers. - Indonesian Crisis.
Liz McManus
Question:19 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's view of recent developments in Indonesia; the steps, if any, the Government intends to take to promote the establishment of democratic structures in Indonesia; if he will make the establishment of democratic structures and withdrawal from East Timor a condition for recognition of the new administration by Ireland and the implementation of the international economic rescue package; the steps, if any, taken to ensure the safety of Irish citizens in Indonesia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12501/98]
Gay Mitchell
Question:28 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in Indonesia. [12378/98]
Dick Spring
Question:52 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the response he has had from the European Union Presidency in relation to his proposal to send a Troika mission to Indonesia. [12434/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 19, 28 and 52 together.
The Government is deeply concerned about the situation in Indonesia where both political and economic conditions remain dangerously unstable. We are of the view that President Suharto's welcome decision to resign last week provides an opportunity for the process of political reform to be taken forward. We have urged the new government of President Habibie to put in place democratic structures and institutions which will create an administration that is accountable to the people of Indonesia. We are hopeful that the necessary changes in the political structure of the country can take place as rapidly and peacefully as possible. The General Affairs Council, at its meeting of 25 May, called in addition for the release of political prisoners and for full respect of individual human rights and fundamental freedoms.
As it is our practice to accord recognition to states rather than governments, the question of withholding recognition of the new administration does not arise. In any event, it is important that channels of communication with the new regime should be maintained so that it can be persuaded to undertake the political and economic reforms which are essential.
It is my belief that any moves towards increased democracy in Jakarta will assist considerably in the search for a settlement of the problems in East Timor. We would greatly welcome and strongly encourage moves towards a settlement which would be acceptable to the people of East Timor and would improve the human rights situation there. In a statement issued yesterday, I called for the release of the East Timor leader, Xanana Gusmao, as well as all other political prisoners in Indonesia.
At the General Affairs Council last Monday, I supported — together with my Portuguese colleague — the inclusion in the Council Conclusions of a call on the Indonesian authorities to co-operate constructively with the efforts, conducted under the auspices of the UN SecretaryGeneral, to obtain a just, global and internationally acceptable solution to the question of East Timor. This was agreed. Furthermore, a visit to East Timor by a troika of EU Ambassadors is planned for early next month. As regards contacts in Jakarta, the Minister of State at the British Foreign Office, Mr. Derek Fatchett, is currently in Jakarta for talks with the Indonesian authorities.
Ireland has no resident diplomatic mission based in Jakarta. Following the recent outbreak of unrest in Indonesia, however, I instructed the Irish Ambassador to Indonesia — who is accredited from Australia — to visit Jakarta to see to the welfare of Irish citizens and to report first hand on the situation in the country.
Ambassador O'Brien, together with the Irish honorary consul in Jakarta, held meetings with Irish citizens in Indonesia and advised them to leave the country as soon as possible. The majority of the 180 or so Irish citizens followed this advice and have departed. Those who decided to stay were advised of the risks; consular care for these citizens is being provided through our honorary consul in Jakarta. I wish to avail of this opportunity to pay tribute to him for his efforts on behalf of Irish citizens.