Written question asked by John MacDougall (Labour) on Thursday, 19 June 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 June 2008. It was answered by Meg Munn (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 June 2008 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Papua: Politics and Government

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government are taking through the EU to encourage the Indonesian government to enter into internationally-mediated dialogue with representatives of the West Papuan people.

Answer: We believe that the complex issues in Papua can best be resolved through peaceful dialogue between the people of Papua and their central government. Indonesian President Yudhoyono has committed his government to improving the situation in Papua, which we welcome.We continue to encourage all sides to support meaningful dialogue and to focus on implementing fully the existing Special Autonomy legislation. We judge that this is the best way to ensure the long-term stability and development of Papua and its people. We do not have any plans with our EU partners to pursue an internationally mediated dialogue on Papua. We support the territorial integrity of Indonesia and do not support calls for independence for Papua.

Secondary information