I propose to take Questions Nos. 113, 165 and 178 together.
On 17 December 2002, I set out the Government's position with respect to the situation in West Papua, stating that the question of a possible UN review of the Act of Free Choice would be a matter for the UN Secretariat and 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.
Following our exchanges in the House on 17 December, I asked that further inquiries regard ing the Act of Free Choice be made by our permanent representation to the UN. The position, however, remains the same. It is a matter, in the first instance, for the UN Secretariat. The support of UN member states would be required for it to be taken forward. The reality is that, irrespective of one's view of the process involved, the UN General Assembly confirmed the Act of Free Choice in 1969. Any change in that position, therefore, would require the support of the wider membership, expressed in the General Assembly.
The inquiries I initiated have confirmed that at present there is no significant support for this approach. There is, likewise, widespread concern that any such review might prejudice ongoing 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. At the same time, my Department has remained in contact with the representatives of the West Papua Action group. In January last, the group sent a paper to Deputy Tom Kitt, the Minister of State with special responsibility for overseas assistance and human rights, concerning proposals for action at the Commission on Human Rights. These proposals, which include a request for a specific resolution on Indonesia at the Commission on Human Rights and the establishment of a "zone of peace" in West Papua, which would facilitate peaceful dialogue and reconciliation there, are being considered by my Department in advance of the forthcoming 59th session.
In January 2003, I took the opportunity of my attendance at the EU-ASEAN Foreign Ministers meeting to meet 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, Mr. Wirajuda commented on what he saw as an improving situation and the implementation of the special autonomy law for West Papua.
Separate from the autonomy law, President Megawati Sukarnoputri issued a presidential decree to implement a 1999 law to divide the province of West Papua into three provinces. On 13 February 2003, the Indonesian House of Representatives endorsed the decree. There is widespread concern, which I share, about the implications of this decree for the identity and interests of the people of West Papua. EU member states are due to discuss the situation in Indonesia again in April 2003. The situation in West Papua will be among the issues we will examine.
The Government will continue to monitor 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.
