Jack Wall
Question:19 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the plans, if any, he has to visit Indonesia to discuss the situation in East Timor. [27578/98]
Other Questions. - Ministerial Visits.
Charles Flanagan
Question:71 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when he will visit Indonesia; and if he will set out his programme for the proposed visit. [27750/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 71 together.
I have already indicated to the House my intention of visiting Indonesia in the coming months. An important objective of my visit is to meet the East Timorese resistance leader, Xanana Gusmao, who is currently imprisoned in Jakarta. It is my intention during such a meeting to express my solidarity with the East Timorese cause and to encourage Xanana Gusmao to seek a peaceful, negotiated settlement for the future of East Timor.
In addition, I hope to take advantage of my proposed trip to Jakarta to hold discussions with the Indonesian authorities on the question of East Timor and other issues. I expect to have the opportunity to express my concerns on human rights in East Timor, on the desirability of a reduction in the level of military forces in the territory and on the question of establishing a permanent UN presence in the capital, Dili. I also propose to discuss the current unstable internal situation in Indonesia and the prospects for holding democratic elections scheduled for next June.
When does the Minister hope to travel to Jakarta to meet Mr. Gusmao because the situation in that part of the world is becoming more urgent? The East Timor-Ireland Solidarity Campaign has continuously informed all Members of the ongoing situation in that part of the world. Has there been contact regarding the assurances of the new Indonesian Government that the situation in East Timor will change? It appears it has not improved and, if anything, has worsened. Will the Minister indicate if there has been any ongoing discussion with the Indonesian Government or with the UN regarding the ongoing situation in East Timor?
I spoke with the Portuguese Foreign Minister, whose country had a serious interest in the benighted country of East Timor up to 1976. Tragically, the situation since then has gone out of control and the East Timorese now seek autonomy and independence from the Indonesian Government.
I have given an undertaking to the East Timor-Ireland Solidarity Campaign to visit Xanana Gusmao and that will be sometime in late spring. Much of my time and that of the Government is currently taken up with the need to keep a close eye on what is happening and what may happen in the Agenda 2000 negotiations. It is hoped they will be completed by the end of March. After that I will have an opportunity to visit Indonesia.
I am pleased the Minister has taken this welcome initiative. Has the Indonesian Government indicated there are difficulties with his visit? Has the situation in Indonesia been recently considered by the structures set up under ASEM and is there likely to be an ASEM ministerial meeting soon to consider Asian and European issues?
I spoke to my Portuguese colleague about the possibility of a visit and, as I understand it, there are no problems. There are even fewer problems under the new regime of Mr. Habibi. Regarding ASEM, I understand there may be a meeting soon and that matters raised will include Indonesia and East Timor. It will give me an opportunity to raise this matter again which I have been to the fore in raising among my colleagues at meetings of the European Union. I intend to continue with that approach.
I thank the Minister for his positive and hands-on approach to the issue of East Timor and welcome his decision to visit Indonesia and also his attendance at the recent public event calling for the release of Mr. Xanana. Has he made any progress with his representations to the United Kingdom regarding the supply of weapons by its arms industry to Indonesia which is effectively being used to maintain the occupation of East Timor?
On the investigations by the Indonesian authorities, has the Government received requests to facilitate them in possible investments in Ireland by former political figures in Indonesia?
In reply to Deputy De Rossa's question, I have not pursued that matter at this stage but it is one I will take on. If the Deputy tables a similar question on the next occasion on which I take questions, I shall be glad to give a detailed response. I have no knowledge whatever of the matter raised by Deputy Mitchell.