Written question asked by Andy King (Labour) on Wednesday, 12 May 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 May 2004. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 May 2004 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the Indonesian authorities concerning the recent resurgence of violence in Ambon, with particular reference to (a) the steps needed to stop the violence, (b) the need for the security forces to act in an impartial and professional manner and (c) the process by which the perpetrators of the violence will be brought to justice.

Answer: Andy King: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Indonesian authorities concerning the recent resurgence of violence in Ambon, with particular reference to (a) the steps needed to stop the violence, (b) the need for the security forces to act in an impartial and professional manner and (c) the process by which the perpetrators of the violence will be brought to justice. [173760] Mr. Mike O'Brien: We have consistently made clear to the Indonesian authorities our view that long-term solutions to regional conflicts can only be achieved through negotiation and consultation. While we have not made any representations to the Indonesian Government about the recent violence in Ambon, our embassy has kept in close contact with the UN and NGOs in Ambon and is continuing to monitor the situation there. 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 there in order to restore order. Additional personnel have since arrived in Ambon. We fully support the Malino Peace Agreement for Sulawesi and Maluku, which brought an end to large- scale inter-communal violence.

Secondary information