Vol. 565 No. 1
143 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on an initiative at the level of the General Assembly of the United Nations, or through the committees or agencies of the United Nations, towards achieving the independence of West Papua; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9851/03]
On 17 December 2002, on 5 March, and again on 25 March of this year, I set out the Government's position with respect to the situation in West Papua. I confirmed that this is a matter of ongoing concern to the Government.
The question of an initiative in the UN General Assembly, or through the committees or agencies of the UN, towards achieving the independence of West Papua would require the support of UN member states. Inquiries, made at my request by our Permanent Representative to the UN, confirm that at present there is no significant support for such an initiative, which would require revisiting the Act of Free Choice of 1969. There is, moreover, concern that such an approach 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.
Ireland, together with our EU partners, supports the development of a strengthened dialogue and partnership between the EU and Indonesia. EU member states are due to discuss the situation in Indonesia later this month.
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.
