92000E2661

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2661/00

by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(1 September 2000)

Subject: Persecution in the Moluccas

The European Parliament has already adopted two resolutions on human rights violations in the Moluccas (Indonesia), the first in January 2000 and the second in July 2000, in order to protest against the persecution of Christians and the devastation of villages inhabited by Indonesians practising the Christian religion, violations which have now been going on for months.

Can the Commission indicate what it has done on the basis of those two resolutions to bring about a genuine improvement in the situation?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(12 September 2000)

The Commission closely follows events in the archipelago and shares the concerns expressed by the Honourable Member, in particular with regard to the apparent incapacity of the Indonesian security forces to control the violence.

Together with the majority of the international community, the Commission considers that the conflict in the Moluccas is primarily an internal matter for Indonesia. Up until now, the Indonesian government has refused foreign assistance to help solve the crisis, as only humanitarian assistance has been accepted.

Against this background, the Commission through its European Community's Humanitarian Office (ECHO) has intervened in the Moluccas, as far as the security situation has permitted, in order to ease the humanitarian tragedy. Since 1999, assistance has been provided through non governmental organizations (NGOs) to the victims of the conflict, including displaced people. However, the precarious security situation and a deliberate government policy to restrict access to the island has temporarily halted operations of partner NGOs.

The Commission is in contact with the highest authorities and church leaders, and uses every appropriate occasion to convey its concern to the Indonesian authorities. Consultations continue with Member States on the issue.