Dan Boyle
Ceist:237 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on developments in Aceh, Indonesia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16925/03]
Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.
I am gravely concerned at the resumption of hostilities on 19 May, in Aceh, between government forces and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM). I urge the Indonesian Government and GAM to resume negotiations without delay, as dialogue between the parties, and a commitment to honour fully their obligations under the cease-fire agreement of 19 December 2002, represent the only way to resolve this conflict.
On 19 May, at the outset of the current military action, the Indonesia Government stated that the operation was to have an integrated approach, consisting of military action, humanitarian aid, the restoration of civil institutions and upholding the rule of law. The Indonesian authorities have a duty to guarantee public order and security in Aceh, and protect the Acehnese people from any collateral damage caused by the military operation. The humanitarian needs of the people of Aceh should be given the utmost priority. The Indonesian government also has a duty to guard against human rights violations, and to take all necessary measures to ensure the protection of human rights defenders.
I participated in the External Relations Council in April 2003, at which Ireland, together with our EU partners, adopted conclusions on Indonesia. We confirmed the EU's support for Indonesia's territorial integrity, and reaffirmed the EU's aspiration to build a closer partnership with Indonesia. We stressed at the same time, the EU's belief that the Indonesian Government should further pursue its commitment to human rights, and to ensure stability and security in Indonesia, with full respect for the law. The Council further urged the government to address humanitarian needs, and make further progress in political, judicial and legal reforms. We also emphasised the importance of actively promoting peaceful solutions to the internal conflicts in Indonesia, including that of Aceh. The conclusions stressed the importance of the full implementation of the letter, and spirit, of the special autonomy law in Aceh.
I met with the Indonesian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Noer Hasan Wirajuda, during the EU-ASEAN ministerial meeting in Brussels, on 27 January 2003. I hope to have a further opportunity to meet with Minister Wirajuda at the ASEM Foreign Ministers' meeting which he will host in Bali, in July 2003, and to review issues of common concern, including the situation in Aceh.