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Papua: Armed Conflict

Volume 472: debated on Wednesday 20 February 2008

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has discussed with his European Union counterparts the prospects for EU-sponsored dialogue between West Papuan leaders and the government of Indonesia on a peaceful resolution to the conflict in West Papua. (186107)

We continue to encourage EU engagement in promoting human rights in Indonesia, but we have not discussed any plans for EU-sponsored dialogue between Papuan leaders and the central government in Jakarta. We believe that the complex issues in Papua can best be resolved through peaceful dialogue between the people of Papua and the government of Indonesia. The Indonesian President 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 fully implementing 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.