Bernard J. Durkan
Question:271 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he and the international community are satisfied that matters are progressing satisfactorily in East Timor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2573/01]
Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.
The United Nations Security Council will shortly vote on the renewal until the end of this year of the mandate for the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor – UNTAET. Ireland has been fully involved in the discussions and preparations leading to the renewal of the mandate. This is, therefore, a timely moment to reflect on the work carried out by UNTAET so far. I commend UNTAET for the progress made to date on the work of reconstruction and capacity building in order to enable the territory to proceed towards independence.
This task is sizeable and complex, but I am pleased that the UN mission is proceeding with the objective of setting in place suitable structures that can be sustained by the Timorese themselves after independence. A key aspect will be the assumption of responsibility by the Timorese across the full spectrum of administration in all areas. This is already being addressed by a progressive sharing of tasks and responsibilities, within the UNTAET mission and its structures, with the local parties in what is referred to as "Timorisation". It is envisaged that this process will continue in order to achieve the declaration of independence, with proper constitutional structures in place at the earliest date.
While it is not possible to be definite about dates for the conclusion of UNTAET's work, the present plans are to arrange for elections to a constituent assembly in the second half of 2001. The assembly would then draw up a constitution and, when this had been adopted, a government would be formed. In this regard, an important task for UNTAET will be to ensure a secure environment in which the elections can take place and to help with their organisation.
Although there have been considerable improvements in the security situation in East Timor, the continuing presence of militias in West Timor still poses a security threat. The large number of East Timorese refugees who remain in West Timor is a further problem which needs to be resolved, not least to allow those who wish to return to East Timor to participate in the elections. The international community, including Ireland, both bilaterally and through the EU and the Security Council, has made known to the Indonesian authorities our concerns at their failure to deal decisively with the militias and the refugee problem in West Timor.
Ireland is maintaining its contribution to the military component of UNTAET and the next rotation of our contingent is scheduled to take place in mid-February. While the immediate priority now is for UNTAET to continue with its work to enable independence to take place at the earliest date, East Timor's requirement for further assistance, on a reduced basis, after that date is also being examined and initial planning to cater for this has already started.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:272 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current position in Eritrea and the degree to which the international community can assist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2574/01]
On 12 December 2000, Eritrea and Ethiopia signed a comprehensive peace agreement in Algiers bringing an end to their border war. The agreement was the result of intensive negotiations that had taken place under the auspices of the Organisation for African Unity, the United States and the European Union. Under its terms, Ethiopia and Eritrea accept the appointment of an arbitration commission to deal with border demarcation and delimitation and a second commission to deal with compensation issues. Both sides also agree to investigate the causes of the conflict.
The international community strongly supports the agreement and is very active in monitoring its implementation. The United Nations has authorised the deployment of a 4,200 strong force – UNMEE – to monitor the ceasefire and to assist in ensuring the observance of the security commitments agreed by the parties – Security Council Resolution 1320 of 15 September 2000. It is expected that the full deployment of troops will shortly be completed.
The Government warmly welcomes these positive developments. In a statement marking the signing of the agreement, I congratulated Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia, President Isias Afwerki of Eritrea and other political leaders in both countries for seizing the opportunity to set aside their differences in the interest of developing peace and stability. I also paid tribute to those who mediated the negotiations.
The agreement offers the real prospect of a lasting peace to the war weary peoples of Ethiopia and Eritrea. It is essential that its terms be fully implemented without delay. Lasting peace and stability will enable both governments to devote their full attention to addressing the enormous development needs facing their societies. I urge all political leaders to continue to show the courage necessary to ensure that the opportunities created by the agreement are built upon.
Ireland recently contributed $75,000 to the OAU liaison mission to the United Nations mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea. We will remain fully supportive of the peace process and will continue to assist wherever practicable.