Subject: CONG: Senators commend Indonesia remarks
Date: Fri, 29 Jan 1999 15:10:05 -0500
From: "John M. Miller" <fbp@igc.apc.org>United States Senate
WASHINGTON. DC 20510
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 28. 1999
CONTACT: Sue Harvey, Torricelli (224-3224) Mary Borrari, Feingold (224-8657) Jodi
Bennett, Reed (224-4665)
SENATORS WELCOME ANNOUNCEMENT ON EAST TIMOR Senators Torricelli, Feingold, and Reed
Commend Indonesians' Remarks
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, three Democratic Senators welcomed indications that the
Government of Indonesia is considering granting independence to the half-island territory
or East Timor. In a letter to Indonesia's Ambassador to the United States, Senators
Torricelli, Feingold and Reed commended the remarks offered by several top leaders of
Indonesia regarding the future status of East Timor.
"We believe that President Habibie's comments represent a positive first forward.
We would like to encourage the Indonesian government to explore this option to the fullest
in the interest of resolving one of the most divisive conflicts in the region," the
Senators wrote.
The remarks offered by the government of Indonesia yesterday raised the possibility of
granting independence to East Timor for the first time since Indonesia annexed the
territory 23 years ago. East Timor has been wracked by bloodshed and human rights abuses
since Indonesia occupied it in 1976. According to human rights groups, East Timor has lost
more than one-third of its population during this period.
"The people of East Timor have lived with violence and destruction for far too
long," said Torricelli. "The election of President Habibie has opened up new
opportunities to finally resolve the question of East Timor's political status. I am
hopeful that this opportunity will not go to waste."
"For more than two decades, the people of East Timor have been subjected to
Indonesian occupation, with the loss of thousands of lives, the relentless suppression of
free speech and countless incidents of torture and brutality," said Feingold. "I
am greatly encouraged by the words we have heard today from the Government of Indonesia,
and I sincerely hope this represents a turning point in the relations between Indonesia
and the United States."
"The treatment the people or East Timor have been subjected to at the hands of the
Indonesian government has been unconscionable," said Reed. "What we have heard
today, though long overdue, is a sign of hope. I'm pleased that the Government of
Indonesia has taken steps towards improving the situation in East Timor.
In the 105th Congress, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution introduced by
Senators Feingold and Reed, encouraging a political solution to status of East Timor. The
resolution, S. Res. 237, called on the Government of Indonesia to enact political reforms
and protect human rights. It also urged the United States to work actively to support
self-determination for the East Timorese. In the past, Indonesia has rejected the need for
a referendum on East Timor and instead has considered limited autonomy through
U.N.-sponsored talks with Portugal.
--- UNITED STATES SENATE Washington, D.C. 20510
January 28,1999
His Excellency Dotodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti Ambassador Embassy of the Republic of
Indonesia 2020 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20036
Dear Ambassador Kuntjoro-Jakti:
We understand that the Indonesian government has recently indicated its willingness to
consider granting independence to East Timor. In light of East Timor's troubled history,
these statements represent a positive development, and we would like you to encourage
President Habibie to explore this option thoroughly.
As you know, efforts to broker an acceptable solution to the problem of East Timor have
been under way for years. However, little progress has been made in resolving the island's
status to the satisfaction of all parties involved. In the interim, violence and
destruction have continued to plague the people of East Timor. At least 200,000 East
Timorese have died since Indonesia assumed control of the island in 1975. Nearly 30 years
of instability has taken a toll on both the residents of East Timor, and the Indonesian
people as a whole.
With President Habibie's election, the international community saw an excellent
opportunity for renewed progress toward resolving East Timor's status. His decision to
release several East Timorese activists was a significant gesture, and we welcomed his
willingness to adopt a constructive approach to this problem. While we would support
further steps, such as the continued release of political prisoners, granting access to
international human rights monitors, and fulfilling the pledge to withdraw troops from
East Timor, we appreciate any efforts to advance a final resolution to the conflict.
President Habibie's recent statements regarding East Timor's future political status
are significant, and we would like the Indonesian government to pursue consultation with
the people of East Timor concerning the island's political status. We believe a
UN-sponsored referendum is the most appropriate way to do this, while simultaneously
allowing for a period of transition.
Although we may have some additional concerns we would like to get addressed in the
future, we believe that President Habibie's comments represent a positive step forward. We
would like to encourage the Indonesian government to explore this option to the fullest,
in the interest of resolving one of the most divisive conflicts in the region.
Sincerely,
Robert G. Torricelli, United States Senator
Jack Reed, United States Senator
Russell D. Feingold, United States Senator
Back to January Menu
Main Postings Menu
Postings of Human Rights Violations in Timor |
