§ Lord Alton of Liverpoolasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will reiterate their commitment to the self-determination of East Timor as set out in the European Union Common Position of 1998. [HL2538]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)Her Majesty's Government remain committed to the 1996 EU Common Position on East Timor: the EU's aim is to contribute to the achievement by dialogue of a fair, comprehensive and internationally acceptable solution to the question of East Timor, which fully respects the interests and legitimate aspirations of the Timorese people, in accordance with international law.
§ Lord Alton of Liverpoolasked Her Majesty's Government:
What representations the British Government has made to the Indian Government to facilitate the release of Xanana Gusmao and to allow him to return to East Timor to participate in negotiations between East Timor and Indonesia. [HL2537]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanHer Majesty's Government have on a number of occasions, most recently at the European Council in Cardiff on 15–16 June, called for the release of Xanana Gusmao. In his capacity as representative of the Presidency of the European Union, the Minister of State, Mr. Fatchett, 69WA visited him in prison in Jakarta on 28 May. He also stressed to the Indonesian Government the importance of Gusmao's early release, which would allow the dialogue on East Timor to be taken forward.
§ Lord Alton of Liverpoolasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they are taking to engage the Portuguese Government and the United Nations in an active role to seek a just political solution in East Timor. [HL2539]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanUnder our Presidency of the EU, Troika Ambassadors in Jakarta visited East Timor (27–30 June). This mission was in support of the UN process of searching for a fair, comprehensive and internationally acceptable solution to the problem. The outcome of the visit is being discussed with EU partners under the Austrian Presidency of the EU. We remain in close contact with the UN, particularly the UN Secretary General's Special Envoy for East Timor, Ambassador Marker, and the government of Portugal on this issue.