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Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Answer

Mrs. Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government has made to the Indonesian authorities (a) to take immediate measures to stop the violence in the Maluku, (b) for them to provide for the safety and security of both communities there and (c) to ensure that the extremist militants behind the violence are brought to justice. [182750] Mr. Mike O'Brien: We share your concern about the violence in Maluku. Our embassy has kept in close contact with UN and NGOs there and is continuing to monitor the situation. On 29 April, the Acting Coordinating Minister for Politics and Security, Hari Sabarno, visited Ambon with the National Police Chief, Da'i Bachtiar and agreed to increase security personnel in order to restore order. We welcome the Indonesian Government's initiatives to bring peace to Maluku and continue to urge the Indonesian Government to do all they can to ensure the safety and security of communities that have been affected by the violence in the province. We, along with our EU colleagues, last raised this with Dr. Hasan Wirayuda, Indonesia's Foreign Minister, on 18 May. We have consistently made clear our view that long- term solutions to regional conflicts can only be achieved through negotiation and consultation. We fully support the Malino Peace agreement for Maluku, which brought an end to large-scale inter-communal violence.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

182750; 423 c967W

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Armed conflict Security Religion Violence Maluku Islands Indonesia

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk