Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 6 Feb 1990

Vol. 395 No. 3

Written Answers. - East Timor Dispute.

Roger T. Garland

Ceist:

78 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the people of East Timor have a right to self-determination, if so, if this extends to the right of an independent state; whether the people of East Timor should be represented at any talks on this dispute on the basis that their interests would not be adequately represented by contacts between Portugal, the former colonisers of the country and Indonesia, the current occupiers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Collins)

I believe that issues related to East Timor are best resolved in the negotiations between the countries directly concerned — Portulgal and Indonesia — under the auspices of the Secretary-General of the United Nations. The Secre-tary-General has been given a mandate by the General Assembly to facilitate a comprehensive and internationally acceptable solution to the question of East Timor and to conduct consultations with all parties directly concerned. The most recent report of the Secretary-General indicates that the frequency of talks between the two countries has increased recently and that they are being conducted in a constructive atmosphere and in a serious manner. I hope that these talks will lead to a comprehensive and internationally acceptable solution which takes full account of the interests of the population of East Timor.