HC Deb 17 March 1994 vol 239 cc803-4W
Dr. Lynne Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy on the occupation by Indonesia of East Timor in 1975.

Mr. Goodlad

The invasion of East Timor in 1975 was condemned, with our support, in Security Council resolutions at the time. We have not recognised Indonesia's annexation of the territory. We are encouraging Indonesia and Portugal to continue to work together, under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General, to find a solution to East Timor.

Dr. Lynne Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to promote a motion critical of Indonesia's human rights record at the current session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.

Mr. Goodlad

The British delegation to this year's session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights worked hard to secure agreements between Portugal and Indonesia on the consensus statement on East Timor.

Dr. Lynne Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received recently from the Indonesian Government.

Mr. Goodlad

None.

Dr. Lynne Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has recently taken to encourage the Indonesian Government to comply with its human rights obligations.

Mr. Goodlad

The Indonesian Government are well aware of our views. Most recently, we supported efforts at this year's session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights to secure a consensus statement on East Timor which encourages Indonesia to live up to its human rights obligations.

Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his assessment of the total number of civilian casualties sustained in East Timor for each year since 1979 and in total; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Goodlad

There is no reliable and independent source for information on this matter.

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