Paul Connaughton
Question:68 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the consideration which was given by the EU General Affairs Council on the bombings in Bali; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21515/02]
Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.
The EU General Affairs and External Council, GAERC, on 21 October condemned in the strongest possible terms the terrorist attacks on October 12, 2002 in Bali, Indonesia. The GAERC expressed its deepest sympathy and condolences to the governments and peoples, and to the victims and families who suffered as a consequence of this attack. I also conveyed the Government's sympathies to victims and to the Balinese people in a statement on 13 October.
The council has confirmed its determination to play a full role in the fight against terrorism, and to use all available instruments to combat terrorism in respect of the rule of law and international law. The EU will co-operate closely, and extend its full support to the Government of Indonesia in its efforts to bring the perpetrators of this atrocity to justice.
The council has agreed to develop its co-operation with Indonesia on counter-terrorism measures, notably in the fight against money laundering and financing of terrorism. The council welcomed the strengthening of anti-terrorism co-operation within ASEAN, and urged the Indonesian authorities to pursue further progress in this area. International security and counter-terrorism are also likely to feature on the agenda of the forthcoming EU and ASEAN Foreign Ministers meeting on 27-28 January 2003.
Last week, an EU Troika visited Indonesia on the 7-8 November and met the President, the Co-ordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Chief of Indonesian Police, parliamentarians and representatives of the Muslim community. Meanwhile, a number of EU member states have been assisting the Indonesian police in connection with the bombings. Officials from my Department continue to monitor the situation in south-east Asia, including the Philippines and Thailand, as well as Indonesia, and are updating travel advice as appropriate.
The UN Security Council issued a resolution on 14 October condemning the bomb attacks and urged all states to work together and co-operate with the Indonesian authorities in their efforts to bring the perpetrators, organisers and sponsors of these terrorist attacks to justice. The Security Council also expressed its reinforced determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations. On 18 October, the Indonesian Government issued two emergency anti-terrorism decrees under which a new counter-terrorism task force will have very extensive powers of detention and the power to search private homes without a warrant. The country's two largest Muslim organisations, representing more than 70 million Indonesians, have given their support to the new decrees, though these measures have given rise to concern by several NGOs.
Further to its national efforts, Indonesia is also taking part in regional counter-terrorism initiatives and has signed a number of agreements with Malaysia, the Philippines and Australia, aimed at improving co-operation in the fight against terrorism.
On 5 November, Indonesian police arrested a man suspected of involvement in the Bali bombings. He is understood to be a student of Abu Bakar Bashir, the leader of the terrorist group, Jemaah Islamiah. Bashir was arrested on 28 October. The police have since detained Habib Rizieq Shihab, leader of the Front for the Defence of Islam. Both are being questioned in relation to a series of Christian church bombings and an alleged plot to assassinate President Sukarnoputri.
John Gormley
Question:69 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's position regarding the UN Security Council in relation to Iraq and new resolutions agreed in that regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21503/02]
I refer the Deputy to the reply I gave to Priority Question No. 59 which covers the issues raised in this question.