§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are discussing with the Government of Indonesia the return home of those of the 65,000 East Timorese still in camps in West Timor who wish to do so; and what progress has been made in securing their return. [HL1120]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalWe raise the situation in West Timor with the Indonesian authorities and with UN officials at every appropriate opportunity.
We remain concerned about the situation in the camps in West Timor and urge the Government of Indonesia to comply fully with the UN Security Council Resolution 1319 to disarm and disband the militia and speed up the repatriation of those refugees 144WA wishing to return to East Timor and resettle those wishing to remain in Indonesia.
§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the United Nations Administration in East Timor has reported that attacks by armed militias based in West Timor are continuing; and, if so, what measures are being taken to prevent them. [HL1137]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalSergio Vieira de Mello, Head of the UN operation in East Timor (UNTAET), told Mr Battle on 6th March that the situation in West Timor has improved considerably since the appointment of General William da Costa as Regional Commander. Da Costa is determined to resolve the refugee situation and has instructed the TNI to take a tougher line with armed militia. UNTAET will continue to work with the Indonesian authorities to speed up the return of refugees in time for them to register to vote for the East Timor elections.