Dan Neville
Question:34 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of his visit to Indonesia and East Timor. [10643/99]
Written Answers. - Official Engagements.
Ivan Yates
Question:62 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his recent visit to East Timor and Indonesia. [11991/99]
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:80 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his recent visit to East Timor and his discussions with Indonesian and Timorese officials; his assessment of the prospects of a democratic settlement to the difficulties in East Timor; if the Government supports a UN peace-keeping force for East Timor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12020/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34, 62 and 80 together.
A full account of my visit to Indonesia and East Timor from 15 to 19 April was given in the state ment which I made to Seanad Éireann on 22 April.
In keeping with commitments which I had made to the Oireachtas over the past year, the main purpose of my visit to Jakarta and Dili was to express my solidarity with the cause of the people of East Timor. I also travelled there for the purpose of seeking the release of the resistance leader, Mr. Xanana Gusmao, whose outstanding qualities have made him both a force for moderation and a leading spokesman for the Timorese people in recent years.
While in Jakarta, I had discussions with President Habibie, Foreign Minister Ali Alatas and the Defence Minister, General Wiranto. I was pleased also that I had the opportunity to visit Xanana Gusmao who is being held under house arrest in Jakarta; I had a very worthwhile exchange of views with him on the future of East Timor.
When I visited Dili on 17 April, I was horrified to find that the population of the East Timorese capital were that day being subjected to acts of intimidation and violence by armed groups of militia who were rampaging through the city. There was strong evidence to suggest that the militia groups were being aided and encouraged by the Indonesian military authorities. When I drew these violent acts to the attention of the local military commander and of the Indonesian-appointed Governor, neither appeared to make the slightest effort to intervene or to attempt to reduce the level of violence.
As a result of my visit to East Timor, I was able to demonstrate unequivocably to the Indonesian authorities in Jakarta the murderous acts which were being carried out in their name. I have also been able to bring these horrific events to the attention of my EU colleagues at the General Affairs Council held in Luxembourg on 26 April. On that occasion, the Council called on the Indonesian Government to fulfil its obligations and to disarm the militia. The Council also reiterated that a United Nations presence in East Timor was urgently needed to help prevent further violence in the territory. The establishment of a UN peacekeeping mission in East Timor can only be established, however, with the consent of the Indonesian authorities. Regrettably, Indonesian agreement to such a course of action has not been forthcoming to date.
The General Affairs Council has furthermore invited the EU Commission to consider urgently possible appropriate measures with a view to supporting the consultation process of the East Timorese people, to be conducted by the United Nations; providing humanitarian assistance to the East Timorese people; and developing economic and social programmes to assist the East Timorese people and enhance its institution capacity-building.
The Government will continue to offer every appropriate support in consultation with its EU colleagues towards pursuing the aims set out above by the Council.
Deputies will be aware that an agreement was signed in New York on 5 May which includes arrangements for the holding of a democratic vote in East Timor on 8 August. I welcome the progress which this represents. While precise details of the arrangements remain to be clarified, it is understood that the vote will permit the East Timorese people to decide democratically on Indonesia's proposals for granting autonomy to the territory. It is hoped that this will constitute a major step in the process of allowing the Timorese people to engage freely and peacefully in a democratic act of self-determination in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations. Agreement was also reached in New York on the dispatch to East Timor of civilian police officers under the aegis of the United Nations to act as advisers at the time of the voting process. I believe that the earliest possible deployment of these police officers and other UN personnel is essential if the free and peaceful participation of the Timorese people in the consultative process is to be ensured. Consideration is currently being given by the Government to what contribution can be made by Ireland to the establishment of the police unit.
I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the East Timor Ireland Solidarity Campaign for the outstanding work that they have done in recent years to ensure that the issue of East Timor has been given the attention it deserves by the members of the Oireachtas and the Irish public in general.
John Browne
Question:35 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent visit of the Sudanese Foreign Minister to Ireland. [11998/99]
The Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of Sudan, Dr. Mustafa Ismail Osman, visited Ireland from 11-13 April 1999. In the course of his visit, Minister Mustafa met myself and also the Minister of State. In addition, he had a meeting with Deputy Gay Mitchell in his capacity as chairman of the Oireachtas Sub-Committee on Human Rights.
My discussions with the Minister were useful and constructive. The range of issues covered was wide and included the current state of the peace initiative and internal developments in Sudan; national and EU responses to the ongoing humanitarian emergency there; bilateral relations; and conflicts in the Horn of Africa.
I availed of the opportunity to emphasise our support for the peace process in Sudan. I also raised our concerns about the humanitarian situation there and highlighted the urgent need to resolve the human rights situation as a means of creating the necessary conditions for inclusive and lasting peace. Minister Mustafa emphasised his commitment to the peace process and to tack ling any obstacles in respect of the provision of humanitarian assistance.
Minister Mustafa briefed us on the declaration by the Sudanese President of a comprehensive cease-fire in Southern Sudan and of hopes for the success of the IGAD initiative for the peace process in Sudan. He expressed the view that the new constitution and the holding of elections next year under the new multi-party system will lead to democracy there. He was optimistic about economic prospects, with new discoveries of oil throughout the country. This would contribute to development, including in the south of the country.
Both Minister Mustafa and I expressed grave concerns about the war between Ethiopia and Eritrea and about the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Minister Mustafa briefed me on recent developments in the region. I took the opportunity to express the strong commitment of Ireland and of the European Union to efforts to resolve these conflicts.