The following resolution was passed unanimously at the Annual Conference of the Northern Territory Australian Labour Party on 13 June 1993. The NT ALP is the opposition party in the Territory Legislative Assembly. The CLP ruling party has held a strongly subservient attitude to the Jakarta government for almost 15 years.
The NT ALP will seek to develop close and friendly relations with our near international neighbours, in particular Indonesia. Such relations should be to the mutual benefit of both parties, and will be based on accepted international standards of relations.
A mutual respect for the accepted norms of international human rights will be expected, particularly as applicable to the difficult situation regarding East Timor.
We note that East Timor remains on the United Nation General Assembly's list of Non-Self-Governing Territories to which Resolutions 1415(XV) and 1541(XV) are fully applicable, and that 2 Security Council and 8 General Assembly resolutions on East Timor remain applicable without Indonesia complying.
The NT ALP believes that as a matter of urgency Indonesia must allow the entry to East Timor of international non-government and UN agencies and not inhibit their work. This should be the first step to urgent action taken to peacefully resolve the unconsciencable situation in East Timor where it appears that around 250.000 people have died since the Indonesian military invasion of 7/12/75.
We note that the Australian government voted at the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva in March for the resolution which expressed deep concern at the continuing human rihgts abuses in East Timor. We urge full respect by Australia and Indonesia for the principles of the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the UN Covenant for Civil and Political Rights.
In particular at the time of this conference we express grave concern for the health and well being of East Timorese leader Xanana Gusmão, who has not been seen since being sentenced to life imprisonment 3 weeks ago, and of the other East Timorese political prisoners: urge that immediate access be provided to ICRC: and suggest that ways be sought to bring such people into the peace process.
moved: Didge McDonald
seconded: Mark Crossin
result: passed unanimously! Sunday 13/6/93