HC Deb 16 February 1999 vol 325 c735W
16. Mrs. Fyfe

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had about the future of East Timor. [69437]

Mr. Fatchett

We remain committed to the UN process of searching for a solution to the East Timor problem. We are in regular touch with the Indonesian and Portuguese foreign ministers and the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative on East Timor, Jamsheed Marker. We welcome the recent Indonesian government announcement that East Timor might reach independence and hope it will prove to be a turning point.

24. Dr. Whitehead

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Indonesian Government about military activity in East Timor since their offer of independence for the territory. [69445]

Mr. Fatchett

We are concerned at reports of growing tension in East Timor. We have been in regular touch with the Indonesian government about the situation there since their announcement that East Timor might reach independence.