§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the implications for the development of East Timor of the activities of pro-Indonesian militias along the border with West Timor. [177415]
Mr. Gareth ThomasThe situation continues to be monitored by both Indonesia and East Timor and by the UN Mission of Support for East Timor (UNMISET). Efforts are being made to defuse remaining animosities. Advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is that activity by former militia force members along the border with Indonesian West Timor does not present a threat to the development of East Timor.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support is provided by his Department to the United Nations Mission in Support of East Timor. [177416]
Mr. Gareth ThomasDFID has provided an expert to assist the United Nations Mission with work to build Government capacity. DFID also makes a small contribution through UK Government pooled funds to security sector reform, peace building and reconciliation. DFID's main support to East Timor is the £12 million provided through the World Bank to assist implementation of the National Development Plan.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions he has had with the Government of East Timor about the measures needed for the country to deliver economic self-sufficiency. [177420]
Mr. Gareth ThomasI met with Prime Minister Alkatiri in June 2003 and President Gusmao in October 2003. We discussed the successful management of the economy since independence, and the many remaining challenges, including work to address capacity constraints, and action to prioritise their limited funds (until the expected oil and gas revenues come on line in 2007–08).
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§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what his Department's contribution to the National Development Plan in East Timor is in respect of(a)education, (b)health, (c)agriculture and (d)infrastructure. [177426]
Mr. Gareth ThomasDFID is contributing £12 million between 2002–05 to help implement the East Timor National Development Plan through a donor pool managed by the World Bank. The Plan includes support for all government activities, including education, health, agriculture and infrastructure. The DFID contribution is not earmarked to any particular sectors.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the implications of the Australia-Indonesia agreement of 1972 on maritime boundaries for the economic development of East Timor. [177427]
Mr. Gareth ThomasDFID is aware that East Timor is engaged in negotiations on boundaries with both Australia and Indonesia. The implications of the 1972 Australia—Indonesia agreement are a matter for the parties to the current negotiations. DFID has not made a separate assessment.