HL Deb 08 October 2002 vol 639 cc20-2WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are discussing with the Government of Indonesia recent violent incidents in the Molucca Islands and difficulties in implementing the Malino Agreements. [HL5793]

Baroness Amos

We are keen to see the successful implementation of the Malino Agreements in both Maluku and Sulawesi. We are concerned about recent reports of violent incidents in both provinces and hope that this will not hinder the Malino process. We will continue to stay in close touch with the Indonesian authorities on these issues.

The issue was raised during the visit of a mixed-faith delegation of UK parliamentarians, who were in Indonesia from 28 July to 3 August 2002. They met a number of ministers and discussed the difficulties involved in implementing the Malino Agreements and ways they could be resolved. The Indonesian Government have since held a series of consultative discussions with signatories of the agreements involved in the Malino process to try to find a solution to the recent difficulties.