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December 22, 1998

The Honorable Madeleine Albright
The Secretary of State
United States Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20520

Dear Madame Secretary:

We would like to reiterate our deep concern over the well-being of the people of East Timor, in light of recent reports of increased violence in the territory.

While precise details remain unclear, it is evident that the situation is very serious. Indonesian military operations, and those of paramilitary forces which are basically under government control in the areas of Alas, Cailaco and Maliana, have led to loss of life and an atmosphere of great tension and terror. An independent investigation of these events is required.

Moreover, there is a pressing need to stem the current violence by putting in place mechanisms to change the situation. As Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo has repeatedly stressed, there is an urgent need to withdraw Indonesian troops from East Timor to help create conditions that might lead to a peaceful settlement of the conflict. There is also a clear need to have United Nations observers in the territory as soon as possible, and to release all East Timorese prisoners.

As you are aware, there is long-standing interest in the Congress in the plight of East Timor, and growing unease over the lack of visible progress in bringing about a peaceful and just settlement in accordance with United Nations resolutions. The most recent developments, if allowed to remain unaltered, could have a most adverse impact on United States-Indonesian relations. We therefore hope that everything possible will be done to address the concerns expressed here.

Sincerely,

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