Vol. 519 No. 1
21 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the continuing concern about the plight of refugees from East Timor still in camps in West Timor and which are still under the control of pro-Jakarta militias; the steps being taken by the international community to facilitate the return of these refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13088/00]
I am aware of the situation of East Timorese refugees in camps in West Timor, and of the activities of pro-Indonesian militias. This matter was addressed in my reply of 23 March to a previous question in the House. The situation is one of ongoing concern to the Government and, as I mentioned on that occasion, the Taoiseach, following his visit to East Timor on 9 March, raised it, and in particular militia activity and its impact on the refugees' freedom of choice, with President Wahid of Indonesia, the US Secretary of State, Mrs. Albright, and his EU colleagues.
There have been certain improvements in the situation since then. There has been a marked decrease in militia activity and a noticeable improvement in co-operation between the United Nations force in East Timor and the Indonesian Armed Forces on the other side of the border. On 11 April, a memorandum of understanding relating to co-operation in the border area was signed between both forces. It is hoped that, by improving security in the border area, an environment more conducive to the return of refugees will be created.
Since the end of March some 7,000 additional refugees have been able to return to East Timor, bringing the total number of refugee returns to over 160,000. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees has recently reported that access to the camps has improved considerably and that the Government of Indonesia has been flexible in its continuation of aid to the refugees who remain in the camps. The House will recall that the Government of Indonesia had earlier indicated that aid to refugees in camps would be cut off after 31 March, but as a result of international pressure prior to that date they rescinded this decision.
The UNHCR and the International Organisation for Migration are facilitating the safe and orderly return to East Timor of all those refugees who wish to do so. The number of refugees who do not wish to return remains unclear, but estimates have put the figure as high as 60,000. These include civilian and military employees of the Indonesian state and their families, together with supporters of East Timorese integration with Indonesia. A survey which is currently being carried out by the UN, with the co-operation of the Indonesian authorities, and which will be completed shortly, should be of assistance in this regard. The UNHCR has requested a three month breathing space to allow time for the remaining refugees to choose freely whether to return to East Timor or stay in Indonesia.
I can assure the House, however, that the matter, which was also raised with the Indonesian ambassador within the last month, is one which I am keeping under close review, and that pressure will be maintained for as long as necessary on the Indonesian authorities until it is brought to a satisfactory conclusion.
