HL Deb 14 July 2003 vol 651 cc73-4WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider that an independent organisation or supranational body can be found to mediate in the conflict concerning Aceh in Indonesia; and, if so, which. [HL3704]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HDC) brokered the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA) agreed on 9 December 2002 between the Indonesian Government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM). To monitor the peace agreement in Aceh both sides agreed to international observers from Thailand and the Philippines. The observers were removed in April 2003 following attacks on their offices.

We remain convinced that a long-term solution to the Aceh problem can only be achieved through political negotiation and consultation between the Indonesian Government and the Acehenese people. We support the statements issued by the EU, US, Japan and the World Bank, as co-chairs of the Tokyo Preparatory Conference on Peace and Reconstruction in Aceh, urging both sides to resume political dialogue. The UK, and the international community, support Indonesia's territorial integrity. We see no scope, at the moment, for a supranational body to become involved in the conflict in Aceh.

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