Vol. 497 No. 5
86 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action, if any, the Government will take in relation to the claims made by a person (details supplied) that 44 people had been killed during the military crackdown in East Timor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25581/98]
I issued a statement on 24 November expressing my horror at reports that a large number of civilians had been killed by the military in or near the East Timor town of Alas. I joined my voice to that of the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, who had appealed for an end to all military operations in the area and for respect to be shown for the safety and security of unarmed civilians.
The precise details of the incident or incidents in question are still unclear. The matter is currently under discussion among partners in the European Union. The EU Presidency is approaching the Indonesian authorities in order to express its concern and to request exact information. It is clearly essential, however, that all military activities should end immediately so as to ensure that no further loss of civilian life occurs. It is also essential that all those guilty of perpetrating atrocities should be brought to justice.
