Subject: CONG: Letter to Sec'y of State Albright
Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 21:00:29 -0500
From: "John M. Miller" <fbp@igc.apc.org>[Please note this letter was
written in anticipation of Albright's originally scheduled trip to Indonesia. It has since
been rescheduled for March. Frank Wolf is a Republican member of Congress from Virginia.]
The Honorable Madeleine Korbel Albright
Secretary of State
2201 C St NW Ste 7276
Washington DC 20520
Dear Madam Secretary:
I understand that you plan to travel to Jakarta, Indonesia in the days following the
upcoming APEC summit. As you know, I have followed events in East Timor for several years,
since my visit there in January, 1997.
This is your first visit to Indonesia since the political changes that brought
President Habibie to power and it is critical to help resolve longstanding issues between
the U-S. and Indonesia. One such issue is peaceful resolution of the conflict in East
Timor. There has been some, but very little,progress on this issue. Sadly, the latest
reports indicate that the Indonesian government is sending more troops to the island
despite promises that troops were being withdrawn. I hope this will be a key issue on your
agenda.
It might be helpful for you to point out that there are many members of Congress, like
myself, who will be strongly opposed to any resumption of military training or support for
the Indonesian military while reports like these continue to surface. If the Indonesian
government cannot be trusted to keep its word, I am confident that Congress will continue
to block any enhanced cooperation between the U.S. and Indonesian militaries.
I also hope you plan to meet with Xanana Gusmao, the leader of the East Timorese
resistance who has been in prison in Jakarta for 6 years. He represents a great number of
East Timorese who desire a democratic choice and a legitimate voice in determining the
future status of East Timor. Your meeting with him would send a powerful message that the
United States is committed to working for peace and democracy for the people of East
Timor.
I wish you every success in your upcoming trip. Best wishes.
Sincerely, Frank R Wolf
Member of Congress
FRW:ach
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