Vol. 563 No. 4
260 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will urgently support the people of West Papua in their efforts for real justice (details supplied); and if the Government will raise this issue at UN level. [8306/03]
On 17 December 2002 and again on 5 March of this year, I set out the Government's position with respect to the situation in West Papua. I reported that officials of my Department have remained in contact with the representatives of the West Papua action group. I understand from correspondence received from the Deputy that Mr. Sem Karoba from the Koteka Tribal Assembly in West Papua is in Ireland. My officials are available to meet with him and further review these issues. In my previous replies, I stated that the question of a possible UN review of the Act of Free Choice would be a matter in the first instance for the UN Secretariat and for the UN Secretary General. I also emphasised that the situation in West Papua and, in particular, the human rights situation there were matters of ongoing concern to the Government.
At my request, further enquiries have again been made recently through our permanent representation to the UN. Following contacts with the UN secretariat, the mission has responded that the position remains the same – the matter is one in the first instance for the UN secretariat and, for it to be taken forward, the support of UN member states would be required. In this regard, our enquiries have confirmed that, at present, there is no significant support for this approach. There is, moreover, widespread concern that any such review might prejudice on-going efforts to initiate a meaningful dialogue with the Government in Jakarta and would not contribute to the amelioration of the current situation of the West Papuan people.
In January of this year, I took the opportunity of my attendance at the EU-ASEAN Foreign Ministers meeting to meet with my Indonesian counterpart, Mr. Wirajuda. I referred to Ireland's interest in the development of a strengthened dialogue and partnership between the EU and Indonesia. I raised issues of particular concern, such as respect for human rights and the tensions in West Papua and I made the point that these matters impact on our national perception of Indonesia. In reply, Minister Wirajuda referred to the difficult transition process which Indonesia has been undergoing, in terms of political, security and economic matters. With regard to West Papua, Minister Wirajuda commented on what he saw as an improving situation, and the implementation of the special autonomy law for West Papua.
EU member states are due to discuss the situation in Indonesia again at a future date. Among the issues we will examine will be the situation of West Papua. Deputies can be assured that the Government will continue to monitor very closely the situation in West Papua and will continue to encourage the Indonesian authorities to act with due regard to the rights and interests of the people of West Papua.
