WRITTEN QUESTION P-1261/01

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(19 April 2001)

Subject: Financial aid to East Timor

What is the EU doing to promote the direct engagement of the people of Timor in the development of a plural democratic society, given the complete absence of relevant infrastructure, considerable resentment of the UN presence and persistent inter-communal distrust? What pressure can the Commission bring to bear for the equal treatment of Protestant and Catholic communities?

Given reports that war crimes committed in the Timorese war may go unpunished, what is the EU doing to promote public confidence that justice will be done, within the context of moves towards reconciliation? Does the Commission consider there is a role for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, on the South Africa pattern?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(7 May 2001)

The Commission shares the Honourable Member's concern about the need to contribute to the development of a pluralistic democratic society in East Timor.

In its operations in the territory, the Commission has established a set of priorities which have been translated into distinct projects of humanitarian aid, rehabilitation and development:

- After the September 1999 violence, humanitarian aid was a matter of urgency. This aid, especially in the areas of public health, is still being funded by the European Community Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO);

- From the beginning of the independence process, it was also recognised that the nascent structures of a newly built administration would need assistance. For this reason, the Commission has contributed to the financing of the United Nations-administration in East-Timor (Untaet);

- At the same time, rehabilitation of infrastructure and health services was funded by the Commission, through the Trust Fund for East Timor (TFET). Contributions to this Trust Fund have been provided in 2000, and in 2001, a further contribution will be given;

- As to the longer term development perspective, the Commission is currently planning for the period 2002-2006. Serious consideration will be given to those sectors which allow for a maximum impact in relation to the identified needs and added value through Community financing;

Finally, according to the agreed political calendar, the first democratic elections for a constituent assembly will be held in August 2001. The Commission is currently undertaking an exploratory mission to the territory, in order to identify possible support for this important event. Such assistance in the electoral process could constitute an essential element for the development of a stable democracy in East Timor.

The question of past human rights violations in East Timor has to be addressed in a wider perspective. Firstly, in the internal context of East Timor where, as yet, the East Timorese do not have political responsibility. The first government of an independent East Timor, which will take office after the August 2001 elections, will certainly be committed to deal with the issues raised, and it will receive appropriate encouragement from the Commission in its efforts. The possibility of a truth and reconciliation commission can then be examined by the new government, together with other options. In the meantime, it is evident that the United Nations administration is taking all possible measures to treat all communities fairly.

Secondly, with regard to the role of parts of the Indonesian armed forces and of individual citizens in East Timor's recent past, the Commission is actively pursuing all appropriate channels to recall the Indonesian government's responsibility to bring perpetrators to justice.