§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will make representations to President Habibie of Indonesia for the release of all political prisoners, and particularly of Xanana Gusmao, the East Timorese leader who is serving a 20-year sentence of imprisonment. [HL2109]
§ 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 on the Indonesian Government to release all political prisoners, including those from East Timor.
In his capacity as representative of the Presidency of the European Union the Minister of State, Mr. Fatchett, visited Xanana Gusmao 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. This call was repeated at the EU General Affairs Council on 8 June. The European Council in Cardiff on 15–16 June agreed to continue to press for Xanana Gusmao's early release.