Vol. 549 No. 1
127 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will contact the United Nations Secretary-General with a view to conducting a review of the United Nations' actions in relation to the transfer of West Papua to Indonesian military control. [6087/02]
I am aware of the outstanding questions about the circumstances surrounding the 1969 Act of Free Choice in West Papua, or Irian Jaya as it is now known, and the role of the UN in that process. I am concerned about reports that the rights and freedoms of the West Papuan people were restricted at that time and at current reports of ongoing human rights abuses in that province.
As Ireland was not a party to the 1969 Act of Free Choice it is not within this Government's power to re-examine the outcome of the Act. As the Deputy correctly points out, this is a matter for the UN secretariat and the office of the Secretary General to consider.
At this time there appears to be no significant support among UN member states for a review of the decision of 1969. There is concern that such a review may prejudice ongoing efforts to initiate a peaceful and meaningful dialogue with the Government authorities in Jakarta and would not contribute to the amelioration of the current situation of the West Papuan people.
The Government believes that it is necessary to address the fundamental causes of tension in Irian Jaya. As an immediate step we see a need to promote greater decentralisation and autonomy. Dialogue and negotiation needs to take place between the local representatives and the authorities in Jakarta. The Indonesian authorities must exercise full and proper control over the security forces in Irian Jaya, ensure that the human rights violations of which they are accused are investigated and the perpetrators prosecuted, and that such abuses are brought to an end.
I will continue to keep the situation under review, including through our permanent mission in New York.
