HC Deb 05 November 2001 vol 374 c2W
Mr. Drew

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in Sulawesi, Indonesia, with particular reference to attacks on the Christian minority by Muslim extremists. [12246]

Mr. Bradshaw

The sentencing to death of three Christian militia leaders on 5 April provoked civil disturbances in Poso, central Sulawesi. Following the deployment of an additional Infantry Battalion in August, the situation in Poso itself has been calm. However, some low-level violence between Muslims and Christians has continued in remoter areas of Sulawesi.

We will continue to monitor cases of inter-communal violence closely and raise our concerns with the Indonesian Government at every appropriate opportunity.

Mr. Drew

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further discussions he plans to have with the Indonesian authorities on the subject of inter-religious violence. [12247]

Mr. Bradshaw

I most recently raised this issue with the Indonesian Vice President Hamzah Haz, when we met in Jakarta in August.

We will continue to monitor the situation carefully and raise our concerns with the Indonesian Government at every appropriate opportunity.

Back to