§ Mr. SarwarTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's policy is on the ethnic conflict in Indonesia. [130953]
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§ Mr. BattleWe have been deeply disturbed by reports of escalating violence in Maluku. Diplomatic efforts are focused on bringing pressure to bear on the Indonesian government to take effective action and bring the perpetrators of violence to justice. I discussed this with the Indonesian Ambassador on 3 July. The head of the Diplomatic Service raised our concerns directly with President Wahid on 4 July and EU Ambassadors reinforced this at a further meeting with the President on 17 July. There is an urgent need to respond to the growing humanitarian crisis. We are pressing the Indonesians to ensure guaranteed safe access and acceptance of a humanitarian response by UN agencies and Indonesian NGOs. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is working closely with the Indonesians on humanitarian co-ordination.