(f) B4-0503, 0537 and 0550/97

Resolution on the elections in Indonesia and the situation in East Timor

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its previous resolutions on Indonesia and East Timor,

A. whereas the legislative elections in Indonesia on 19 May 1997 were far from being free and fair, mainly because of the Indonesian authorities' continued severe restrictions of civil liberties and violations of human rights,

B. whereas an election monitoring committee not recognized by the government claims that there were systematic violations of electoral laws and vote-rigging in favour of Golkar,

C. whereas the election campaign has been the most violent in decades, especially in occupied East Timor, where at least 34 people were killed in four days around polling day,

D. having regard to the recent proposals of the National Maubere Resistance Council (CNRM) aimed at achieving a peaceful solution to the conflict via the phased withdrawal of Indonesian troops, thus creating the conditions for the holding of a referendum on the future status of the territory,

E. whereas the Indonesian authorities are continuing to ignore all the positions taken by the international community in favour of self-determination for the people of East Timor and respect for human rights in Indonesia,

1. Condemns the undemocratic practices by the Indonesian authorities that make a mockery of elections;

2. Calls on the Indonesian authorities to release all political prisoners and repeal legislation that restricts the rights of political participation, association and expression;

3. Declares its support for the democratic forces which struggle for democracy and respect for human rights in Indonesia and East Timor;

4. Calls on the Indonesian Government to consider the CNRM's proposal for a peaceful solution to the conflict;

5. Wishes to see a speedy and favourable conclusion to the negotiations currently under way between Indonesia and Portugal, under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General, as well as to the dialogue inside Timor, and insists that these processes should include the participation of representatives of the people of East Timor;

6. Calls on the Commission to submit a report on the situation in East Timor and human rights violations in Indonesia, and to take all necessary steps in this connection;

7. Reiterates its decision to send a delegation to East Timor to establish the facts, and calls on the Government of Indonesia not to put any obstacles in the way of that delegation's visit;

8. Calls on the Council to act in accordance with its own position of 14 June 1995 on East Timor and Indonesia;

9. Calls on the Commission to support projects that strengthen democracy and the rule of law in Indonesia;

10. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Government of Indonesia, the UN Secretary-General and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.