WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2555/98 by Johanna MAIJ-WEGGEN to the Council. The deteriorating situation in West Papua (now Indonesian province of Irian Jaya)
Date: 1998-09-01
Institutions: European Parliament, MAIJ-WEGGEN
Subjects: European political cooperation, Indonesia, armed forces, civilian victim, committee of inquiry, human rights, imprisonment, repression

8.4.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 96/115

Within the programme on biomedicine and health research (Biomed 2, 1994-1998), namely under the area
occupational and environmental health, research on allergies of public and occupational health importance is
currently supported. This aims to improve the scientific knowledge needed to increase the safety and health
protection of workers with an emphasis on the prevention of occupational diseases. Within the programme on
environment and climate (1994-1998), research on identification of early indicators of health impairment from
exposure to environmental pollutants is currently supported, including projects on indicators of metal sensitisa-
tion and health effects of air pollution.

In the Commission proposals for the fifth framework programme, research into diseases and allergies related to
or influenced by the environment, and research into their treatment and prevention has been included in the key
action 1 (cid:145)health, food and environmental factors(cid:146) within the thematic programme (cid:145)quality of life and management
of living resources(cid:146).

(1) OJ C 134, 30.4.1998.
(2) OJ C 214, 16.7.1997.
(3) OJ L 327, 3.12.1980.
(4) OJ L 138, 29.6.1989.
(5) OJ L 196, 26.7.1990.
(6) OJ L 131, 5.5.1998.

(1999/C 96/160)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2555/98

by Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE) to the Council

(1 September 1998)

Subject: The deteriorating situation in West Papua (now Indonesian province of Irian Jaya)

Is the Council fully informed about the situation in Irian Jaya (Indonesia), where seven persons have been killed
by Indonesian forces since 1 July 1998 and scores of seriously wounded people taken to local hospitals in Biak
and Sorong in particular, for no other reason than having demonstrated in favour of more autonomy and greater
independence for their region?

Will the Council ask the Indonesian government to clarify these acts of violence and report to the European
Parliament?

(1999/C 96/161)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2569/98

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Council

(1 September 1998)

Subject: Human rights in Indonesia

Following numerous human rights violations by Indonesian troops during the pro-democracy demonstrations
held in Irian in May, June and July of this year, what action does the Council intend to take to ensure that human
rights are respected in the region?

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-2555/98 and E-2569/98

(3 November 1998)

The Council is aware of the disturbances which have occurred in Irian Jaya in July 1998. Regarding these
particular incidents, it has already been conveyed to the Indonesian authorities that the European Union expected
that utmost restraint would be exercised and that new force would not be used. Furthermore the EU has welcomed
the announced investigation of the incidents in Irian Jaya and expressed hopes for an early release of arrested
persons.