§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects the UN Commission of Inquiry into human rights violation in East Timor to begin its work. [99500]
§ Mr. BattleThe Economic and Social Council of the United Nations endorsed the setting up of the UN Commission of Inquiry into violations of international148W humanitarian and human rights law in East Timor on 15 November. The Commission began work shortly after that date.
§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Indonesian Government concerning the return of East Timorese, at present in West Timor, to their own country. [99498]
§ Mr. BattleWe have consistently pressed the Indonesian Government on the importance of assisting in the swift passage of displaced East Timorese back to their homes. Our Ambassador in Indonesia visited West Timor from 1–4 November and pressed senior local political leaders to act more decisively to enable refugee returns. We understand that the TNI and INTERFET are no co-operating more closely. To date, over 92,000 refugees have returned from West Timor and elsewhere in Indonesia.