HC Deb 14 July 1994 vol 246 cc752-3W
Mr. Mullin

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the recent violent suppression of a peaceful demonstration in Jakarta and the suppression of three publications was raised at the meeting of the consultative group on Indonesia in Paris on 7 and 8 July; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The Indonesian Government are well aware of the importance we attach to respect for human rights, including freedom of expression. We underlined our concern about the recent curtailment of press freedom to the Indonesian delegation in the margins of the July meeting of the consultative group for Indonesia. The revocation of publishing permits for these three publications is a retrograde step and disappointingly inconsistent with the greater spirit of openness which has prevailed in Indonesia in recent months.

Mr. Worthington

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the remit of the United Nations Human Rights Commission's team in Indonesia.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The United Nations Human Rights Commission does not have a "team" in Indonesia. However, the special rapporteur on extra-judicial, summary or arbitrary executions has just visited Indonesia and East Timor at the invitation of the Indonesian Government, in compliance with the undertaking given to the Human Rights Commission in March 1994. The special rapporteur will report to the 51st session of the United Nations Commission.

Mr. Mullin

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to the Government of Indonesia regarding the recent issue of a warrant for the arrest of Adnan Nasution; what information he has on Mr. Nasution's whereabouts; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply my right hon. Friend the Minister of State gave to the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent (Mr. Smith) on 6 July at column208.

Mr. Mullin

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to the Government of Indonesia regarding the banning of three publications on 21 June and the violent suppression of a peaceful demonstration in Jakarta on 23 June; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The Indonesian Government are well aware of the importance we attach to respect for human rights, including freedom of expression. We underlined our concern about the recent curtailment of press freedom to the Indonesian delegation in the margins of the July meeting of the consultative group for Indonesia. The revocation of publishing permits for these three publications is a retrograde step and disappointingly inconsistent with the greater spirit of openness which has prevailed in Indonesia in recent months.