HC Deb 16 February 2000 vol 344 cc583-4W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the(a) Indonesian and (b) Chinese Governments concerning treatment of ethnic Chinese inhabitants within Indonesia. [109677]

Mr. Battle

My "right" hon. Friends the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary and I raised our concerns about sectarian violence in Indonesia with President Wahid in London on 1 February. We have not made representations to the Chinese Government on this issue.

Dr. Tonge

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the religiously motivated violence in Maluku, Indonesia. [109522]

Mr. Battle

We remain deeply concerned about the violence and loss of life in Maluku. Religion is only one of a number of factors involved. My "right" hon. Friends the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary and I raised these concerns with President Wahid and his Foreign Minister when they were in London on 1 February. President Wahid reaffirmed his commitment to securing lasting peace between the two communities. We shall support him vigorously in his efforts and stand ready to help him in any way possible.

Dr. Tonge

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps have been taken to send a UN human "right"s rapporteur to Maluku, Indonesia. [109546]

Mr. Battle

My "right" hon. Friends the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary discussed the situation in Maluku with President Wahid in London on 1 February. President Wahid reaffirmed his commitment to find a fair and lasting solution through dialogue to the troubles in the province. The Joint Assessment Mission to Maluku of 22–27 January, by the Indonesian Government and international agencies including the United Nations, was an important first step in determining the best way forward.