§ 19. Jane Griffiths (Reading, East)If he will make a statement about the United Kingdom's relations with Indonesia. [61398]
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Derek Fatchett)We have substantial bilateral ties with Indonesia. We look forward to continuing to work with the Government of Indonesia in their efforts to bring about peaceful democratic reform and economic recovery.
§ Jane GriffithsWhat steps are the Government taking to help Indonesia with political reform? What assistance will they offer the Indonesian Government in that regard and also to support the Indonesian economy?
§ Mr. FatchettWe have encouraged the process of democratic reform because we think that it is the only way in which to build a new, stable Indonesia and to bring about economic recovery. When I was in Indonesia last month, I told President Habibie that we would help it to introduce democratic reforms, either bilaterally or through the European Union, by working on the procedures for elections. President Habibie acknowledged the nature of the offer, and I think we can say that we can look forward to working with the Indonesian Government on those issues and on human rights. I recognise, as does President Habibie, that progress can be made only through democratic reform.