§ Ann ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what reports he has received of the abduction of Indonesian human rights activists by army units; and what representations he has made to the Indonesian authorities; [41555]
(2) what reports he has received relating to the ability of Indonesian students to exercise their rights to freedom of assembly and expression; and what representations he has made to the Indonesian authorities on this matter. [41562]
§ Mr. FatchettWe have received many disturbing reports about disappearances, detentions and clashes between the Indonesian security forces and students. HM Ambassador in Jakarta has raised our concerns with the Indonesian authorities together with colleagues from the EU Troika. We have called on the Indonesian authorities to exercise maximum restraint in protecting and restoring public order; to uphold democratic rights such as freedom of expression and assembly; and to ensure that universally accepted human rights are not violated. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his recent meeting with President Suharto raised political reform and emphasised the need for respect for individual rights.
§ Ann ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assurances he has received from the Indonesian Government regarding the end use of British-made water cannon; and what representations he has made to the Indonesian authorities regarding the recent use of water cannon. [41544]
§ Mr. Fatchett[holding answer 11 May 1998]We continue to urge the Indonesian authorities to respond to civil unrest with restraint. We emphasise to the Indonesian Government the need for political reform and for respect for individual rights, as my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer did in Jakarta last week.
This Government have received no assurances about the use of British-made water cannon. Our records for licence applications that have been technically assessed show that we have received none for the export of water cannon to Indonesia since 1 May 1997. I would be very surprised if an application for such an export licence were to be forthcoming.