[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 4158-4159]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR FREE, FAIR, AND TRANSPARENT ELECTIONS IN 
                               INDONESIA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. LANE EVANS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 9, 1999

  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in support 
of H. Res. 32, a resolution calling for free, fair and transparent 
elections in Indonesia, but also to commend the attention of my 
colleagues to the plight of the people of East Timor, the tiny island 
illegally occupied by Indonesia for over 25 years.
  I have been greatly encouraged by recent demonstrations of reform in 
Indonesia, yet the

[[Page 4159]]

post-Suharto government still has far to go to prove that it is serious 
about addressing basic human rights. Most urgent is the humanitarian 
crisis that continues to embroil the people of East Timor. Even as 
President Habibie announces that he will support independence for East 
Timor should its citizens reject an autonomy plan, I receive daily 
reports indicating a serious increase in violent actions by several 
armed militias, including those by the Makihit, Alfa, Saka and Mahidi. 
In the last two months, these groups have reportedly attacked villagers 
in several areas, most recently around Sua, killing civilians and 
precipitating a refugee crisis with over 5,000 seeking refuge on the 
grounds of a local church and school. Indonesian Generals have admitted 
to arming these groups. In this supposed era of promise, turmoil and 
unrest persist.
  In addition, there are reports of on-going and extreme human rights 
abuses on the part of the Indonesian military in the areas of West 
Papua, Irian Jaya, Aceh, and Ambon. The summary executions, 
kidnappings, arbitrary arrest, beatings and torture of civilians 
continue to create a climate of fear, intimidation. I believe it will 
be virtually impossible to hold a truly democratic election.
  While I support the spirit in which H. Res. 32 was written and 
support its intentions wholeheartedly, Congress must take this 
opportunity to encourage the Clinton Administration to press the 
Indonesian government to address the civil and human rights issues 
plaguing this nation and its provinces. In addition, we must continue 
to call for the withdrawal of Indonesian troops, the introduction of 
U.N. monitors and the immediate and unconditional release of political 
prisoners in East Timor. Without these crucial steps, Indonesia will 
not be on a true path to reform.

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