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Foreign Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2019

Wednesday, 18 September 2019

Questions (84, 85)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

84. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he and his EU foreign minister colleagues are taking with regard to repression of the independence movement in West Papua; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37904/19]

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Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

85. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has raised the issue of autonomy or independence for West Papua with the European Commission, Parliament and Council of Ministers and at the General Assembly of the United Nations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37905/19]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 85 together.

Ireland, together with our EU partners, respects the territorial integrity of Indonesia and regards the province of West Papua as being part of Indonesia. 

I am concerned by the escalation in violence since August in both Papua and West Papua. While access to information has been somewhat constrained, including by restrictions on the use of internet, reports of violence in the region and the deaths of both protesters and security forces personnel are especially disturbing.

I welcome efforts locally and by the Indonesian Government to find a peaceful, inclusive and lasting solution, including through the proposal for further and deepened dialogue with civil society. 

Officials in my Department, including in our Embassy in Jakarta, will continue to closely monitor the situation in West Papua and will liaise with our international partners on this issue as appropriate.

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