Barney Frank 4th District, Massachusetts

2252 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-2104
(202)225-5931

Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Washington, DC

February 22, 2006

His Excellency Xanana Gusmao
President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
Palacio das Conzas
Dili, Timor-Leste

Dear Mr. President,

As you know, I am a strong and vocal advocate of the democracy you and your colleagues have accomplished under the very difficult circumstances in which you have found yourself.

I believe strongly that a law restraining free speech, particularly when it focuses on statements by the media about public officials and government institutions, would detract from what you have been able to accomplish.

I have opposed efforts to restrict free speech in my own country, and I urge you to reaffirm your inspiring commitment to democracy in the fullest sense by vetoing the legislation that is now before you that would impose criminal penalties for defamation.

BARNEY FRANK

see also ETAN Urges Veto of Timor- Leste Defamation Provisions

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