§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have reopened the investigation into the killings of five journalists, including two Britons, at Balibo in Indonesia; and what action they intend to take to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. [HL533]
§ Baroness Ramsay of CartvaleWe remain in close contact with the relatives of the deceased journalists, and Ministers met them last year. My right honourable friend the Minister of State, Mr. Fatchett, raised the matter with President Habibie in October and the President undertook to look into the matter again. The Australian Government have now invited Mr. Tom Sherman, who earlier conducted a comprehensive investigation of the incident, to study new material that has become available and report back. We welcome this and have no plans to hold our own enquiry.