HC Deb 23 May 2000 vol 350 cc411-2W
Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will provide support for the Indonesian administration in order to reduce fighting between Muslims and Christians in Indonesia; [122853]

(2) what representations he has made to the Indonesian Government regarding religiously motivated violence in Indonesia; [122852]

(3) what recent reports he has received concerning religious violence in the Moluccas Islands. [122850]

Mr. Battle

The violence in Ambon and elsewhere in Maluku is a major concern for the Indonesian administration as well as for Britain and the international community. The new Indonesian Government aim to resolve regional conflicts through dialogue and reconciliation. We fully support that process, and have pressed upon them the need for conflict resolution work in particular communities. As part of the international effort through the United Nations Development Programme, we have already funded two conferences promoting reconciliation in Maluku, between 28 March and 3 April. We stand ready to help with further conflict prevention projects.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what UK expertise he will provide for training the Indonesian police force in managing conflict. [122854]

Mr. Battle

To explore the scope for the UK to support the Indonesian national police in its transition to a civilian accountable service, a senior British police officer will be attached to our Embassy in Jakarta from 1 June.