HC Deb 07 November 2002 vol 392 cc685-6W
Mrs. Spelman

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the creation of a UN International Tribunal to bring to justice the major perpetrators of crimes against humanity during Indonesia's occupation of East Timor; and what discussions her Department has had with (a) the UN, (b) the USA and (c) the Government of East Timor concerning the establishment of such a Tribunal. [78719]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

I have been asked to reply.

In February 2000, the United Nations Security Council accepted Indonesia's pledge to conduct its own enquiry and prosecute those responsible for crimes committed in East Timor in 1999. This led to the establishment of an Ad Hoc Tribunal on 14 March 2002. As it is still considering several of the cases it would be premature to push for an alternative justice mechanism now. If we judge that it has not delivered justice we will certainly consider the case for an international tribunal with our EU partners and others in the international community. Officials in Washington and Dili have already discussed the idea of an international tribunal with US and UN officials and representatives of the East Timorese government.

The East Timorese government with the assistance of the UN Special Crimes Unit is also investigating serious human rights violations that have taken place during the last 25 years. The East Timor Commission for Truth and Reconciliation which was established on 7 February 2002 is dealing with less serious violations.

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