Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:224 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will table a motion at the Council of Ministers calling for an immediate embargo on EU arms sales to Indonesia. [16538/03]
Written Answers. - Arms Trade.
I set out the Government's position with respect to this issue on 29 May.
It is the view of the Government that, at this time, it is important that the EU engages constructively with Indonesia, so that the new democracy there can continue to develop and that human rights and fundamental freedoms are protected.
In September 1999, the EU adopted a four month embargo on arms sales to Indonesia, in an attempt to increase pressure on Jakarta to respect the vote for independence in East Timor in August 1999. On the expiry of the embargo on 17 January 2000, a review was carried out by the EU and, due to the developments in Indonesia at the time, which included the first ever contested presidential elections, a change of government and the relinquishing of Indonesia's territorial claim to East Timor, it was decided that the arms embargo was no longer necessary, and should not be renewed.
However, all exports of arms from EU countries must conform with the EU code of conduct on arms exports, which establishes criteria to control the export of arms. Ireland was involved in the establishment of this politically binding code, which was adopted by the EU General Affairs Council in June 1998. The code lists the factors to be taken into account when deciding whether to allow an export of military goods. These factors include respect for human rights and the internal situation in the country of final destination, as well as the preservation of regional peace, security and stability.
It would be a matter of concern if weapons supplied subject to the criteria of the code were being used for purposes at variance with it. I have instructed my officials to raise this matter with EU partners, with a view to considering whether further action is appropriate.