Mr. Speaker, it is not true that Canada has not paid attention to the human rights issue in East Timor. We have continuously monitored the situation and raised those concerns with the Indonesian government. At the end of last year I paid a special visit to Indonesia on human rights issues.
Canada welcomes and is encouraged by indications that the negotiations in New York on the future of East Timor included discussions of ways of directly consulting the East Timorese people. We maintain that the East Timorese should have a say in determining their future. Now that East Timorese leader Xanana Gusmao has been moved from prison to house arrest, this will facilitate the consultation process with the East Timorese.
In October last year I personally visited Xanana Gusmao in prison. He was very appreciative of Canada's efforts in East Timor.
The Government of Canada is engaged in discussions with a number of countries regarding East Timor's future at this very pivotal time. These countries include the main parties to discussions at the United Nations. In this context, Canada is closely examining its position with a view to providing continuous support to the people of East Timor.
Canada is the third largest aid donor in East Timor and provides about $1.1 million annually through NGOs. Canada has also regularly contributed to the All Inclusive Intra-East Timorese Dialogue. Canada's ambassador to Indonesia visited East Timor in December, one aim of his visit being to explore options for further Canadian assistance in order to build indigenous capacity and further peace in East Timor.