Subject: CONG: Rep Kennedy "Cautiously
Optimistic"
Date: Fri, 29 Jan 1999 15:50:13 -0500
From: "John M. Miller" <fbp@igc.apc.org>KENNEDY, STRONG ADVOCATE FOR
FREEDOM IN EAST TIMOR, IS 'CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC'
For Immediate Release Thursday, January 29, 1999
WASHINGTON - Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI) said today that he is
"cautiously optimistic" by the admission of Indonesia's foreign minister that
his government is considering granting independence to the oppressed people of the former
Portuguese colony of East Timor.
"It is gratifying to learn that Indonesia may be beginning to recognize the need
for East Timorese freedom," stated Kennedy. "I am cautiously optimistic that
this will be the first in a series of steps for Indonesia to improve the lives of those in
East Timor and to end the abuse of human rights."
Kennedy said he is not yet convinced that the Indonesian government will actually
follow through with the pledge of independence made by Foreign Minister Ali Alatas.
"There have been many empty promises in the past," said Kennedy, "I am
hopeful that these words and actions will this time not be empty."
Kennedy has been among the most outspoken members of Congress in condemning the human
rights abuses committed against the predominantly Catholic people of East Timor by the
Indonesian government, which occupied the former colony of Portugal in 1975. More than
200,000 East Timorese, nearly one-third of the population, have perished since the
occupation began.
Kennedy has written letters to President Clinton and Secretary of State Madeleine
Albright to urge the U.S. to be more pro-active in its dealings with the Indonesian
government, under the new leadership of President B.J. Habibie, on behalf of the people of
East Timor.
Kennedy has proposed legislative action in the past against Indonesia if it did not
cease its violations in East Timor. He visited East Timor in 1996 and hosted return visits
to Rhode Island by Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo and José Ramos-Horta the Nobel Peace
Prize winners who have been seeking independence for East Timor for many years.
"Although I'd like to believe that freedom is near, I understand why José
Ramos-Horta is very skeptical," said Kennedy. Mr. Ramos-Horta just stated that acts
of true savagery and inhumanity are still occurring in East Timor. I will continue to urge
the Clinton Administration, and will work with my colleagues in Congress to keep the
pressure on the Habibie regime."
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