[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 116 (Thursday, September 9, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1839]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               EAST TIMOR

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 9, 1999

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, the independence vote in East 
Timor was encouraging to supporters of democracy. With more than 90 
percent of the population turning out for the vote, it is a level of 
participation that Americans should aspire to emulate. Having taken 
advantage of the opportunity for democracy, the East Timorese have 
voted overwhelmingly for independence from Indonesia. However, the 
outbreak in violence following the vote is tragic. Unfortunately, pro-
Indonesia militia have chosen to ignore the will of the majority and 
attack anyone believed to support independence.
  The need for action has never been more evident than in past weeks as 
East Timorese, international observers, journalists, and U.N. workers 
have been harassed and killed by paramilitaries opposed to 
independence.
  The Indonesian government must stop the militia rampages, gain 
control over those factions of the military supporting the militia, and 
establish order and peace in East Timor. It is their duty to the East 
Timorese, to whom the Indonesian government made a commitment, to 
provide a safe and democratic vote. And now, following the vote, it is 
their duty to provide for the safety of everyone in East Timor, 
especially those who voted their conscience.
  Mr. Speaker, the American people want peace in East Timor and they 
understand the importance of an immediate end to the violence. American 
citizens have been involved in East Timor as human rights observers and 
U.N. election workers for some time now. One of my constituents, Pamela 
Sexton, is in East Timor now and I had the privilege to meet with her a 
few months ago to discuss her work and the up-coming vote. Her 
dedication was inspiring--if only the Indonesian government would show 
such desire for peace and democracy.
  I encourage my colleagues to contact the President and impress upon 
him the desire of the American people to see peace restored in East 
Timor. It is extremely important that we continue to put pressure on 
the Indonesians to establish peace.

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