§ Jeremy CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will urge the Indonesian Government to ensure that criminal cases in West Papua are investigated by the police; [120127]
(2) if he will urge the Indonesian Government to support the Land of Peace dialogue between West Papua and Jakarta; [120128]
(3) if he will urge the Indonesian Government to carry out an investigation into the events in Wamena on 4 April 2003. [120130]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienWe continue to stress to the Indonesian Government the importance of criminal cases being investigated by the police, as well as a fair and transparent judicial system and of applying the law in an even handed way. When my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary visited Indonesia in January 2003 he offered human rights training for a number of Indonesian Supreme Court judges. This has now been undertaken and we are positively considering a request for further training in this area. We are also working with the Indonesian police to identify areas where we can help them develop their skills and training.
The British Government have consistently made clear their view that long-term solutions to regional conflicts can only be achieved through negotiation and 591W consultation. Any debate about the future of Papua should be worked out between the Indonesian Government and the people of Papua.
The British embassy in Jakarta is monitoring the situation in Wamena closely and has recently met NGOs and community leaders from the area. We are aware of reports of civilians being abused and buildings being burned, and the embassy is raising this with the Indonesian authorities.