Brian O'Shea
Question:151 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress in relation to the West Papua prisoners being held in Indonesia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23743/01]
Written Answers. - Human Rights Abuses.
I am very concerned about the human rights situation in West Papua, or Irian Jaya as it has been known since 1973. I am particularly concerned about reports of ill-treatment of Papuan prisoners.
The EU is progressing towards reinforcing its political dialogue with Indonesia to include regular discussion of human rights and issues relating to Irian Jaya. The EU most recently set out its position on these issues at the General Affairs Council in May 2001. The EU called on the Indonesian authorities to strengthen respect for human rights throughout Indonesia and to ensure the democratic accountability of the police and armed forces. We urged the Indonesian Government to make further urgent efforts to address the fundamental causes of tension in Irian Jaya.
The EU is actively pursuing dialogue with the new Indonesian Government at every level on these issues. Having recently returned from a fact-finding mission for the restive region of Aceh, EU heads of mission in Jakarta will undertake a mission to Irian Jaya at the end of the year to evaluate at first hand the human rights situation there.
The Belgian Foreign Minister, Mr. Michel, currently President of the Council of Ministers, will undertake a visit to Jakarta later this year to
follow up on the EU's concerns.
Question No. 152 answered with Question No. 127.
Question No. 153 answered with Question No. 134.